READER LETTER | Recent elections exposed IEC bias
In 2011, the IFP failed to register candidates for the south coast of KZN and parts of Mpumalanga and they had no representation in those wards. In 2016, the NFP was excluded from the local government elections because they failed to pay the registration fee on time.
In this past elections Herman Mashaba’s newly formed party was portrayed on the ballot by party emblem only, with no abbreviated name, as the electoral body was adamant that it was the party’s duty to submit their shortened label to them. Come 2021 when the ANC failed to register many of its candidates across the country.
Then we see an electoral body which is heartily ready to correct that blunder, belatedly registering the ruling party’s unregistered candidates. I grant that given the number of candidates involved, their exclusion would have distorted the electoral picture had the voting continued without them.
To a layperson, the disputes cited were avoidable if the electoral body had an enabling attitude, not a heartless and insincere one. Discretion won the day when the ANC were the offender, but the IEC proved headstrong when the other parties committed a similar offence. To the IEC size and identity do matter and they influence their stance and application of the rules.
These elections have shown that the electoral body is serving the governing party and not the citizenry. This assertion has merit as the capture of the state seeks to further the interests of the governing party and its members.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
LETTER: Tone deaf politicians continue on their merry waySouth Africans delivered a clear message in the recent local government elections, but our leaders appear not to listen
Read more »
Thuli Madonsela | Time for all parties to reset, refocus | CitypressThe ANC’s huge loss of support in the recent election is an important lesson which the party should heed if it is serious about retaining its credibility – and its followers.
Read more »
Gold inches higher but strong dollar dims its appealMetal slightly stronger, though close to recent lows as robust dollar steals its thunder
Read more »
Is José Antonio Kast Chile’s Bolsonaro?Politician likened to firebrand Jair Bolsonaro is now the front-runner in Sunday's presidential election
Read more »
Shoprite investors resist Wiese’s bid to retain board seatAlmost half of ordinary shareholders oppose former chair’s re-election
Read more »
'No' to Cape Town's application to be exempt from state wage agreementThe South African Local Government Bargaining Council on Monday dismissed an application by Cape Town to be exempted from implementing recent government salary wage hikes.
Read more »