Johannesburg - The court application that intends to shake up the voting system in the country has received a boost, with more individuals joining the fight as amici curiae (friends of the court).

On the other hand, Cope, which has a vested interest in the matter, was weighing whether to join proceedings in support of the New Nation Movement (NNM), the main applicant.

The party brought a private member's bill to Parliament intended to allow independent candidates to run for provincial and national elections.

The application made to the Constitutional Court by the NNM, a non-profit organisation, sought to force amendment of the Electoral Act to allow independent candidates to stand for provincial and national elections.

It was partly heard just six days before the May 8 elections. The Concourt ruled that the NNM failed to make out a case for hearing urgently.