IEC faces litmus test in Electoral Court tomorrow
The DA in the North West Province is concerned about the continued allegations questioning the impartiality and credibility of the IEC during the forthcoming Tlokwe Municipality by-elections in Potchefstroom (see BDlive report).
These allegations already led to an Electoral Court application by 6 disqualified Independent (former ANC) candidates and the precautionary leave of at least one IEC official, after the IEC and the official were requested to submit affidavits to the Electoral Court.
On the same day it became clear that at least one of the six disqualified Independent Candidates, Johannes Johnson's (ward 13) nomination forms were in order and that he was legally entitled to participate in the by-elections. He was disqualified, submitted an objection to the IEC but was not reinstated as a candidate.
The recent history of the IEC in the NW, also evident during the 7th August 2013 Ward 9 by-election in Potchefstroom, did not support the professional and independent character of the IEC. It is therefore crucial that the Electoral Court in its deliberations tomorrow in Bloemfontein critically look at the possible disenfranchising of the Independent Candidates and in its judgment attempt to restore the credibility of the IEC.
Statement issued by Chris Hattingh, DA Leader in the North West, September 16 2013
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