The IEC Must Sort Itself Out, NOW! by Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP Honorable Speaker, The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) continues to find itself making headlines for all the wrong reasons; casting doubt on its expected independence, credibility and integrity. In Nongoma a scanner went missing and people were fraudulently registered for a by-election in a ward in which they did not reside. In Jozini a similar scenario saw the light of day, and a by-election has been postponed indefinitely. In Abaqulusi the by-election has been postponed on 2 occasions. In Maphumulo, a female voted using her husbands ID. Upon enquiry as to how the official allowed this, the response was “they are tired, it has been a long day” whilst there were many hours remaining ahead of the vote. In Tlokwe independent candidates were wrongfully denied their right to stand, and the Electoral Court had to reverse this grave democratic injustice. The IFP is appalled at the corrupt election activities which undermine our freedom and democracy and the IEC must strengthen its security measures. The question arises - If the IEC is battling to manage by-elections, then how possibly can we expect them to manage the 2014 and National and Provincial Elections? The IEC needs to safeguard its due processes against doubt and mistrust. The credibility, freeness and fairness of elections is heavily dependent on the process itself. The IEC is an organisation which must lead by example, without incidents of mismanagement or maladministration tarnishing its image. How can South African voters be expected to accept and believe in the legitimacy of IEC if it cannot even get the small things right? Contact: IFP Spokesperson on Sports and Recreation, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP, 083 975 5107
Posted on: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 18:27:01 +0000
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