The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa has strongly condemned threats and unauthorized incidents involving its staff and election materials in the eThekwini municipality of KwaZulu-Natal province, just days ahead of the May 29th national and provincial elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the IEC revealed disturbing details of an incident where a presiding officer was woken in the middle of the night about bulk election materials stored at the Baptist Church voting station in Chesterville, eThekwini.
“Bulk material is voting booths, voting station signage/banners and new unfolded ballot boxes. This bulk electoral material was taken to Cato Manor police station in eThekwini, in KwaZulu-Natal,” the statement read.
The IEC strongly condemned the unauthorized access and removal of the materials, stating: “The Commission strongly condemns threats to its staff. No party nor its representatives have authority to gain access to private homes of electoral staff. Worse still no party nor its representatives may take control of election material without being authorized.”
The Commission assured the public that additional security measures are being implemented to secure storage sites across the country ahead of the elections. “We want to assure the public that additional measures have been implemented to secure these various storage sites across the country. We confirm that the Commission has possession of all election materials shown in these videos.”
Vowing strict action, the IEC stated: “The Commission is contemplating measures against the party and the individuals involved as such obstruction to election activities should not be tolerated. This conduct violates the Code of Conduct and other electoral prescripts.”
The predelivery of bulk materials like voting booths and ballot boxes to voting stations ahead of election day is part of the IEC’s logistical plan to ensure voting can commence smoothly.
As South Africa gears up for national and provincial polls on May 29th, the IEC has made it clear that any attempts to disrupt electoral processes or intimidate its staff members will not be tolerated. Ensuring free and fair elections is crucial for the country’s democracy.
