ANC is buying the Tlokwe by-elections

The ANC's brazen vote buying, abuse of power and political intimidation in Tlokwe calls into question the extent to which these critical by-elections can be considered free and fair. Perhaps for the first time since 1994, the Democratic Alliance is seriously concerned that the 2014 national elections will be undermined by the ANC, whose conduct in Tlokwe reveals a party, paranoid about its collapsing support and that will stop at nothing to retain power.

I will today be seeking an urgent meeting with the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Advocate Pansy Tlakula to discuss how to ensure these and future elections are not derailed and undermined.

The Democratic Alliance has been in government in Tlokwe for nearly 3 months, where we have been delivering a clean, corruption-free government to the residents of that city for the first time. Our government in Tlokwe is part of an unprecedented growth in support for the DA in the North West province and in many towns across South Africa. We are growing in strength and numbers everywhere, and are beginning to threaten the ANC's dominance in local governments all over the country. This is healthy for our democracy and good for South Africa.

However, instead of responding by working harder, stamping out corruption and delivering to the poor, the ANC is responding to the threat of losing by intimidating DA voters and abusing public money to buy votes. This is unacceptable and we will not allow it to go unchallenged.

The Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, has distributed thousands of food parcels in Tlokwe ahead of these critical by-elections. On one of these occasions, the distribution of food parcels was televised live on SABC, probably at public expense.

At an election rally over the weekend, ANC North West Provincial Chairman, Supra Mahumapelo, and Minister Dlamini distributed hundreds more social development food parcels. They also reportedly distributed government scholarships to students. This was not at a government event - but an ANC election rally.

Last night a DA activist, who was canvassing for votes in Tlokwe was beaten by a crowd of ANC supporters wearing ANC t-shirts (see below). We have laid charges with the SAPS.

These are the latest example of what has been a sustained campaign by the ANC over months, with the express purpose of buying votes and beating down any opposition in Tlokwe.

The DA has already reported all of these examples and others to the Public Protector for investigation. However, this is not enough. We will seek an urgent meeting with the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission to ensure that the Commission puts a stop to this vote buying and intimidation in future.

Statement issued by DA leader Helen Zille, September 18 2013

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