BREAKING NEWS – Two IEC officials in Ermelo dismissed after tampering with ballot boxes
“Yes, everyone participating in the elections is bound by a service standard and the electoral code of conduct.
Social media was abuzz after videos surfaced, showing two IEC officials breaking protocol while handling ballot boxes after the voting stations were closed.
These ballot boxes held special votes.
The Highvelder contacted Mr Sibusiso Nkosi, provincial IEC spokesperson, who confirmed the incident.
He said two officials admitted they did not follow proper procedure, but dismissed that they were rigging votes.
According to information received an EFF party agent, noticed a woman handling the box.
Mr Nkosi said the occurrence took place in the open allowing for the person to record the incident.
When asked whether legal steps would be sought, he said: “Presently, we do not suspect that an offence was committed, but the proper protocol was not followed and therefore the officials were dismissed.
“The ballot box has been quarantined so that at the beginning of counting we will determine if the content of the ballot box reflect any irregularities.”
The Highvelder enquired whether IEC officials were also, as is the case with political parties and candidates, bound to the electoral code of conduct.
Mr Nkosi responded: “Yes, everyone participating in the elections is bound by a service standard and the electoral code of conduct.
“If an offence has been committed, the IEC will deal with it accordingly.”
The Electoral Code of Conduct, contained in the Electoral Act, details a list of prohibited conduct including, generally abusing a position of power, privilege or influence to influence the outcome of an election.
What happens when Political parties or candidates breach the code of conduct?
According to the IEC Website, any person who breaches the code is guilty of a criminal offence and can be fined or sent to prison for up to 10 years.
Political parties that breach the Code can:
- Be fined up to R200 000
- Have to give up the party’s election deposit
- Be stopped from working in an area
- Have their votes in an area cancelled
- Can have their party registration cancelled.
The Highvelder will keep its readers up to date with any developments in the case.
