Parties and candidates - Electoral Commission SA

Local Government Candidates

There are a total of 68 local government councils in South Australia. In council elections, people may nominate to be a candidate for mayor, or a councillor representing a single ward or the whole of the council area where it is not divided into wards. More information

Council candidates page (includes information on eligibility, the nominations process and legislation)
Introduction to Local Government (PDF, 122KB)

Parliamentary Candidates

State election candidates nominate to stand for election to the South Australian Parliament. Eligible candidates try to win seats in either the House of Assembly or Legislative Council.

Currently, there are 47 House of Assembly members who are elected for a 4–year term.

There are 22 Legislative Council members, half of whom are elected at each general election, and serve a term of 8 years.

For a list of all Members of Parliament visit the Parliament South Australia website.

Political Parties

Political parties are organisations whose members hold similar political views. In South Australian state elections, political parties have their candidates elected to seats in the House of Assembly and Legislative Council.

Individuals can run as candidates, without being a member of a political party. They are known as independents.

If you would like more details on party registration, see our how to register a political party page.

Party Register

Electoral Reform

Reforms are being introduced through the Electoral (Accountability and Integrity) Amendment Act 2024

To support stakeholders, the Electoral Commission will provide ongoing guidance to assist participants in understanding their obligations under the new legislation, however independent legal advice is encouraged.

For further information

Visit our new Electoral Funding and Donations Reform page
Contact ECSA Compliance at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.