The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is yet to adjudicate on several complaints lodged by political parties against their rivals over alleged unethical campaigning.
Among the matters before the commission is a complaint by the African National Congress (ANC) against the Democratic Alliance (DA) over the alleged presence of DA employees at the ANC’s manifesto launch in Diepsloot, Johannesburg.
Two DA employees were reportedly spotted filming and gathering content at the ANC manifesto launch.
The IEC confirmed during a media briefing in Centurion on Wednesday that it had received a complaint from the ANC and was awaiting the DA’s response before making a decision.
“There are a few complaints that we’ve received, certainly from the ANC related to the conduct of the Democratic Alliance at its launch. And because, you know, when you look at those complaints, you also have to give the other party a right of reply,” said Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.
“And we are in that process. We need to give the DA an opportunity to respond. And once we have the responses, then we are able to evaluate and see what is the next course of action, including whether, in that particular case, there’s enough evidential material to refer the matter to the Electoral Court.
“So all those processes are currently underway,” he said.
The ANC has described the alleged presence of DA representatives at its event as “apartheid-style infiltration”. The party has also raised concerns about the potential for confrontation if DA representatives were identified by ANC members at the rally.
The DA has defended its actions, describing them as part of its normal campaigning activities.
The IEC has meanwhile scheduled a public signing ceremony for a code of good conduct that, for the first time, includes a provision dealing specifically with misinformation.
The commission’s consideration of the ANC’s complaint remains ongoing, with the DA expected to provide its response before the IEC determines the next course of action.