The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa has affirmed its commitment to proceeding with the declaration of the final results of the country's general and provincial elections, despite calls to postpone the process due to alleged irregularities. Here are the key points:
- The IEC plans to announce the final results on Sunday afternoon, as scheduled, following a thorough review of the 579 objections it has received.
- CEO Mosotho Moepya assured transparency in addressing the objections and emphasized the IEC's dedication to conducting credible, free, and fair elections.
- Former president Jacob Zuma, representing 26 smaller parties, urged the IEC to allow more time for parties to submit objections, citing unspecified serious concerns. He warned of legal action if the IEC proceeded with the declaration without further consideration.
- Zuma's party, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), gained significant support in the elections, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where it disrupted the African National Congress (ANC)'s traditional dominance.
- Despite the ANC securing the highest number of votes nationally, it fell short of the majority needed to form a government, highlighting the changing political landscape in the country.
- Legal advisors and analysts have affirmed that the IEC is acting within the bounds of the law and the Constitution in handling the objections and declaring the election results.
The situation underscores the significance of transparent electoral processes and the need to address concerns to uphold the integrity of democratic elections.
