Now that the ANC - following its drubbing in the local government polls - is considering changing the proportional representation system used in the allocation of seats to political parties we have a new opportunity to debate the entire Electoral Act. Is our electoral system still relevant in a South Africa that is undergoing profound changes to its political structure?The ANC has every right to debate the current system and take a new look at the Electoral Act but it should not tamper with the system just because it has given unprecedented powers to smaller parties.The results of the recent elections are an indication of an evolving society and of political realignments.We understand why the ANC would look for ways of regaining control of the municipalities it failed to win outright.It is interesting that the secretary-general of the biggest party in the land, Gwede Mantashe, avoids looking inward and asking individual leaders difficult questions.There is almost a consensus in the party and its alliance partners that the ANC has been punished by voters who perceive it to be arrogant and corrupt.But Mantashe is ignoring that narrative and wants instead to question the electoral system."There is something wrong with this formula. Is it a correct formula or is it stretching too much to give a voice to smaller parties?" he asked yesterday.There are those calling for an electoral system that will empower voters to elect the president of their country themselves and not have it done for them by party bosses.There are those calling for the right to remove their councillors through petitions.The approach taken by the ANC could impose on us an electoral system that changes at the whim of the ruling party.As the talks around coalitions and who gets what position in our hung municipalities drag on, the parties should remember that, whatever the outcomes, they should favour the people...