Despite expectations of a significant drop in support, a NWU political analyst believed the ANC will maintain its outright majority in North West.

In the 2019 provincial elections, the ANC secured 61.87%, or 590,777 votes translating into 21 seats in the provincial legislature. The EFF followed with 18.67% (177,983 votes and six seats), and the DA garnered 11.8% (106,738 votes and four seats).

Prof. Kedibone Phago believed the ANC’s majority will endure, despite the ruling party’s poor governance record and failure to deliver services to residents – issues that have led to political instability in municipalities like Ditsobotla.

The provincial government recently launched “Thuntsha Lerole”, a service delivery speed-up programme in North West. However, opposition parties, particularly the DA and EFF have criticised this initiative as a money laundering scheme and accused the ANC of deceiving the residents.

“The same individuals who criticised former Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s Setsokotsane program are now advocating for the Thuntsha Lerole programme,” said DA leader in the provincial legislature Freddy Sonakile.

In an interview with OFM News regarding the elections, Phago emphasised there would be no coalition in North West, despite the EFF is a strong contender and the formation of Multi-Party Charter by the DA, ActionSA, IFP, ACDP, and other parties. He predicted while the ANC might lose some numbers, the decrease would not be substantial enough to lose its majority.

Phago meanwhile addressed the road blockages by taxi drivers in the Eastern Cape, which disrupted the IEC special votes in Mthatha on Monday (27/5). More than 500 police officers were deployed in the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal. He expressed confidence that similar incidents would not occur in the province.

On Monday, North West police held a Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure media briefing to address the safety and security concerns of voters and residents during the election period. Provincial police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone issued a stern warning to those planning protests that could lead to intimidation or damage to critical infrastructure during the elections.

Mokgwabone assured the public extensive measures are in place to ensure a secure voting environment, enabling the IEC to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, emphasising any attempts to disrupt the electoral process would be dealt with decisively by law enforcement.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg