IEC sends ANC ‘war rooms’ matter to lawyers

The Electoral Commission of South African (IEC) may investigate the ANC for a possible breach of the electoral code of conduct for allegedly operating an apartheid-styled “dirty tricks war rooms”, believed to have been funded by Bosasa.

IEC deputy chief electoral officer on electoral matters Masego Sheburi said the commission had received a complaint from the Democratic Alliance and the matter had been referred to the commission’s panel of attorneys for evaluation.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane recently approached the IEC alleging the ANC had set up war rooms costing R6 million at Bosasa headquarters in Krugersdorp.

He claimed these war rooms were used by the ANC to campaign ahead of the 2011, 2014 and 2016 elections.

The rooms were fitted with a R400 000 screen wall to track election results; R450 000 worth of computers and software licensing; a R14 000 weekly phone bill; 30 cubicles and telephones; a budget of R210 000 for food and drinks and software for 70 volunteers; and R700 000 in office security. All this was voluntarily paid for by Bosasa.

“This shameless corrupt relationship … requires immediate action from IEC,” Maimane said.

During a media workshop and unveiling of the IEC election programme, Sheburi said any political party found to have breached the electoral code of conduct could be fined up to R200 000.

The party would have to give up its deposit of R605 000, it might be stopped from working in an area, have its votes in an area cancelled and it could have the party registration cancelled.

Sheburi confirm the DA complaint had been received.

“Once we receive an independent evaluation report, then the commission would review and decide on a proper course of action which may also include a referral to the electoral court if it finds that there is merit to the complaint,” Sheburi said.

The DA recently wrote to the IEC chairperson Glen Mashinini, requesting a full-scale investigation into this matter.

“We are of the view that this conduct is in contravention of section 9(e) of the electoral code of conduct,” Maimane said.

It states: “No registered party or candidate may abuse a position of power, privilege or influence … to influence the conduct or outcome of an election”.

Attempts to get ANC spokesperson Dakota Lekgoete to comment yesterday were fruitless.

– ericn@citizen.co.za

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.