EFF WELCOMES MOSENEKE INQUIRY FINDINGS THAT LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN OCTOBER 2021 WILL NOT BE FREE AND FAIR
Tuesday, 20 July 2021
The EFF welcomes the findings by the Independent Electoral Commission's inquiry into the feasibility of free and fair elections, which has found that to hold elections in October 2021 will not be free and fair according to the provisions of the Constitution and relevant legislation.
The inquiry, led by Former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke correctly concluded that there is no feasibility of free and fair elections as a result of primarily the adjusted lockdown regulations that hinder electoral activity such as campaigning, restriction on political activities and gatherings and voter registration initiatives.
The former Deputy Chief Justice echoed the sentiments of the EFF, that voters will not be able to exercise rights that are necessary for free and fair elections, and that political parties and independent candidates will be unable to canvass and interact with the electorate under the current deadly pandemic and associated regulations and restrictions.
The inquiry noted the inability of those who desire to be elected into office to get their political message across to the electorate, as they are unable to conduct what normally constitutes an electoral campaign. This includes rallies, door-to-door campaigns and meetings.