The Electoral Commission (IEC) has dismissed allegations of vote rigging allegedly made by members of uMkhonto weSizwe party (MK) at the IEC storage sites in Chesterville and Hammersdale in KwaZulu-Natal.
“We wish to clarify that the videos depict our planned logistical arrangements and storage of election materials as we prepare for the first day of special voting on 27 May 2024.
These are legitimate and authorised arrangements for the distribution of ballot papers and other bulk material.
The planned security measures were that the trucks distributing ballot papers are escorted by SAPS to the local storage site.
These storage sites will then be guarded on a 24-hours basis,” said IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi during a media briefing in Midrand.
Sheburi said the measures were done to ensure the safety of election material.
“This arrangement would ensure that the storage sites are protected against unauthorised entry, burglary, and tampering with election materials and ensure detailed control and recording of all items in storage,” explained Sheburi, adding that no members of political parties will be allowed entry into any storage facility.
The IEC also expressed concern after its official was woken at home in the middle of the night about bulk material stored at the Baptist Church voting station in Chesterville in the same province.
“Bulk material is voting booths, voting station signage/banners and new unfolded ballot boxes.
This bulk electoral material was taken to Cato Manor police station in eThekwini, in KwaZulu Natal.
It is part of the logistical plan for the commission to deliver bulk material to voting stations ahead of Election Day.
This is meant to ensure that voting stations open on time as only security material such as ballot papers will be delivered on the day of voting,” highlighted Sheburi.
The IEC also condemned threats made against its staff members.
“No party nor its representatives have authority to gain access to private homes of electoral staff.
Worse still no party nor its representatives may take control of election material without being authorised.
We want to assure the public that additional measures have been implemented to secure these various storage sites across the country,” said Sheburi.
Meanwhile, the IEC warned that it is contemplating measures against MK and the individuals involved as such obstruction to election activities should not be tolerated, and that the conduct violates the Code of Conduct and other electoral prescripts.
