South Africa’s (SA) Electoral Commission (IEC) has raised concern over incidents of intimidation, disruptions to voting and damage to election materials during the special voting period ahead of today’s local government elections.
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo has warned political parties and their supporters against conduct that could undermine the credibility of the elections.
He was speaking to the media on Tuesday, the second day of special voting.
The IEC says it has noted a sharp increase in prohibited conduct and criminal behaviour involving some political party supporters.
Mamabolo says these incidents include intimidation of election officials, disruption of voting processes and tampering with election materials.
“The Commission has also noted a sharp increase in actions of prohibited conduct and glaring criminal behaviour by some supporters of political parties. This range from intimidation of officials, disruption of voting processes, and tampering with election material.”
He cites incidents in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces, where election materials were allegedly damaged and officials held hostage.
–ChannelAfrica/ Lebogang Mabange–
