Australia: SEP Battles Ballot Ban

The article discusses the Socialist Equality Party's (SEP) struggle to register as a political party in Australia in order to participate in elections. The SEP is challenging the Australian Electoral Commission's (AEC) refusal to register the party, citing inconsistencies and politically motivated obstacles in the registration process. The AEC's main objection centers around the SEP's constitution, specifically the requirement for members to support the party's entire platform, which the AEC deems anti-democratic. The SEP argues this requirement ensures genuine political agreement among members and aligns with common practices in other parties. They also contend that the AEC is applying subjective and politically biased criteria, particularly regarding the SEP's socialist program. The article highlights the AEC's prolonged delays and repeated requests for amendments to the SEP's constitution, which the party views as deliberate attempts to obstruct their registration. The SEP accuses the AEC of acting in concert with the established political parties to suppress socialist views. The SEP believes the registration denial is not based on legal or procedural grounds, but on political opposition to their socialist perspective. They see the AEC's actions as a threat to democratic rights and freedom of political expression and are committed to fighting for their right to participate in the political process. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/03/05/mxdu-m05.html