"The Freedom Front Plus is disappointed with the decision of the Electoral Court to allow Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as candidate of the ANC in the forthcoming election. We are still of the opinion that Winnie Mandela, in terms of the Constitution does not qualify to be a candidate. The Freedom Front Plus believes that the electorate should be protected against such convicted criminals and that such persons do not belong in Parliament. Winnie Mandela does not create confidence with the public in their Parliamentary Members and if the ANC is serious about its high values and standards in Parliament, they should not have allowed Winnie Mandela as a candidate", Mr. Pieter Groenewald, the Chairperson of the FF Plus' Federal Legal Committee says.

"The essence of the Freedom Front Plus' case was that Madikizela-Mandela does not qualify in terms of Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996). This section clearly stipulates that any person who has been found guilty of a crime and is given a prison sentence of at least twelve months without the option of a fine, does not qualify to be a member of the National Assembly. The ANC's argument that the sentence was suspended and therefore sets aside the sentence has been confirmed by the Electoral Court . The FF Plus will study the findings of the Electoral Court and a final decision will be taken as to whether further steps will be taken or not", Mr. Groenewald said.

Statement issued by Pieter Groenewald MP, chairperson of the Freedom Front Plus federal legal committee, March 31 2009

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