ACT outraged by what appears to be IEC voting irregularities

The African Congress for Transformation (ACT) has taken note of multiple social media complaints regarding potential electoral violations involving the storage of ballot papers, ballot boxes, and scanners.

Over the past few days, members of uMkhonto weSizwe, the MK party, have been posting videos on social media, of the IEC voting material stored in spaza shops and other questionable places.

In its response, the Electoral Commission stated: “We wish to clarify that the videos depict our planned logistical arrangements and storage of election materials as we prepare for the first day of special voting on 27 May 2024. These are legitimate and authorised arrangements for the distribution of ballot papers and other bulk material.”

ACT said it considers this to be a significant violation of the electoral code by the IEC.

“Although the explanations provided by the IEC seem to be plausible at face value, it is worth questioning why similar measures are not implemented at other voting stations nationwide, where ballot papers are maintained in close proximity to the voting stations for logistical reasons. Why is such ‘courtesy’ limited to the voting stations in KwaZulu-Natal exclusively?” ACT asked.

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The party further argues that the IEC’s reply fails to adequately address the issues regarding the exclusive access of the storage facilities by only one political party, namely the ANC.

What was also notable at these IEC storage facilities is the absence of security or SAPS presence where the ballot papers were kept. The ballot papers and other materials were reportedly transported in private vehicles and trucks instead of being transported in branded vehicles belonging to the IEC, police, or state military.

“As the ACT party, we are concerned about the excessive number of questions which have largely remained unanswered by the IEC. The impromptu explanation provided by the IEC fails to alleviate our concerns as the stakeholders in these elections,” the party maintained, adding that these occurrences have diminished the trust in the IEC.

The ACT accused the IEC of seemingly having a vested interest in the outcome of the general elections.

“Other than criticising the MK party for exposing this maleficence, the IEC has not taken any action to answer the important questions raised by the electorate. Regardless of any feud the IEC may have regarding the MK Party or its leader, it is imperative that the voting rights of ordinary citizens, who have a democratic entitlement to express their opinions by voting, remain unaffected.”