ActionSA has called for an investigation into alleged voting irregularities at MP Malatjie Primary School in Mpumalanga after party claimed its agents had identified a discrepancy involving 215 ballots, raising concerns about the credibility of the election results.
The party claims that its agents recorded 1,315 votes at the voting station, despite voters’ roll records indicating that only 1,100 ballots had been released.
ActionSA provincial chairperson Victor Mothemela said the discrepancy raised serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the conduct of election officials.
“This raises serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the accountability of electoral officials,” Mothemela said.
The party is demanding that the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) investigate the discrepancy and provide a comprehensive explanation for the disputed ballots.
Disputed ballots spark concerns over voting procedures
According to ActionSA, further concerns emerged after a sealed box containing ballot papers allegedly arrived at the voting station without police officers or accredited election observers present.
The party claims that agents representing several political parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Mayibuye and the South African Communist Party (SACP), questioned the validity of the ballots.
However, ActionSA alleged that IEC officials proceeded with the counting process despite the objections, reportedly with the support of African National Congress (ANC) party agents.
Mothemela said the IEC must investigate the circumstances surrounding the disputed ballots and take action if electoral irregularities are established.
“ActionSA calls on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to uphold the highest standards of electoral integrity, transparency and accountability,” he said.
“We demand that the Commission provide a comprehensive explanation regarding the 215 disputed ballots, investigate the circumstances surrounding their discovery and take appropriate action where electoral irregularities are established.”
ActionSA lodges formal complaint with IEC
Mothemela confirmed that ActionSA had lodged a formal complaint with the IEC, demanding that electoral laws be enforced fairly and consistently.
The party specifically called for the enforcement of the Electoral Act 51 of 1996, including Section 65, which it cited in its complaint.
“We have lodged a complaint with the IEC and expect it to be addressed impartially, transparently and in accordance with the law. The IEC must not selectively apply electoral rules or allow any political party to enjoy preferential treatment over others,” Mothemela said.
He further warned against political interference in electoral processes, insisting that the commission must act independently.
“The IEC exists to protect the integrity of our elections and the democratic rights of all South Africans. It must act independently, fairly and without fear or favour. Its responsibility is not to serve political interests but to safeguard the will of the people.”
Party calls for election re-run if irregularities are confirmed
ActionSA has called for a fresh election at MP Malatjie Primary School if an investigation establishes that the alleged irregularities compromised the credibility of the results.
“ActionSA therefore calls for an election re-run at MP Malatjie Primary School should the investigation establish that the integrity of the election has been compromised to the extent that the results cannot be trusted,” Mothemela said.
The party maintained that electoral institutions must be held accountable to ensure public confidence in the democratic process.
“South Africans are expected to trust the electoral system, the electoral process and the results. However, when confidence in institutions entrusted with protecting democracy begins to fade, citizens have every right to demand answers and accountability,” he said.
Mothemela added that ActionSA would continue pursuing lawful avenues to ensure that the disputed ballots were investigated and that the electoral process remained credible.
IOL News
Get your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
