IEC Rejects Vote Rigging Claims In KwaZulu-Natal, Condemns Threats Against Staffs

The Electoral Commission (IEC) turned down claims that votes were tampered at its KwaZulu-Natal offices and has condemned threats made against its officials.

This clarification came ahead of the National and Provincial Elections that are scheduled for May 29. However, the special votes are expected to be held on May 27 and May 28.

The commission expressed serious concern about videos spreading online, alleging IEC of vote rigging at storage sites in Chesterville and Hammersdale in the province.

"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 authorized arrangements for the distribution of ballot papers and other bulk material," the commission said, SA News reported.

It added, "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-hour basis."

The commission noted that this arrangement ensures that the sites are protected against unauthorized entry, burglary, and tampering with election materials while taking detailed control and recording of all items in storage.

Furthermore, IEC said no members of political parties will be allowed to enter any of the storage facilities, instructing the "leadership of MK party to immediately leave the warehouse as the commission urgently needs to finalize the distribution of election material."

The commission pointed out that in the same province, an official was woken at home in the middle of the night about bulk material stored at the Baptist Church voting station in Chesterville, adding that bulk material includes 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," it added.

The commission strongly condemned any threats to its staffs. The IEC went on to assure South Africans that additional measures have been implemented to secure these various storage sites across the country.

Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) Communications Manager Nomshado Lubisi-Nkosinkulu last week said fake news can pose a threat to the upcoming elections in South Africa, calling it an "explosion of information."