On the eve of South Africa's highly anticipated national and provincial elections, Sy Mamabolo, CEO of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), briefed the media at the National Results Operation Centre in Midrand. 

He highlighted the critical challenges facing the commission, emphasising efforts to undermine the election's credibility and security.

Mamabolo identified a significant challenge as the misrepresentation of isolated incidents to question the overall integrity of the election process. “The biggest challenge that the commission confronts at the moment is aberration being taken to be true for the totality of the whole.”

He further alleged a coordinated effort to cast doubt on the election's fairness, referencing recent videos circulating online. “The videos that you saw over the weekend are not an accident but a clear, orchestrated endeavour to say this election could not have been free and fair even before they happen.” 

Mamabolo reiterated the commission's commitment to maintaining the election's integrity, stressing the importance of their role in upholding South African democracy. “We want to be resolute to protect the integrity of this election because the South African people have invested in their democracy and have entrusted that responsibility on our shoulders.” 

Detailing incidents of interference, Mamabolo reported unauthorised access to IEC storage sites and tampering with electoral materials. He condemned these actions, particularly the public dissemination of videos documenting the breaches.

 “Interference with the unfolding electoral program, logistical handling, or even intimidation of electoral staff cannot be justified as vigilance.”

Mamabolo praised law enforcement for their swift response, noting two arrests and ongoing investigations by the South African Police Service. One incident involved party representatives in Mpumalanga interfering with a ballot box, leading to their arrest.

In another case, political party followers in Chesterville, KwaZulu-Natal harassed a presiding officer at his home. Mamabolo described this as a severe violation of privacy and human dignity.

The IEC CEO concluded by calling for lawful vigilance from all electoral stakeholders and reinforced the commission's dedication to delivering a credible and fair election. The commission remains steadfast in its mission to ensure the electoral process reflects the will of the South African people.

OFM News