IEC probes ‘voter coercion’ at by-election

KZN’s political heavyweights, the IFP and ANC, are locked in a battle over the results of the Ward 14 by-election that was held on June 28. While the ANC celebrated its 54.89% of the votes and congratulated its candidate, Saziso Shabalala, on his election as ward councillor, the IFP has lodged an objection with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), calling the by-election flawed and claiming that the opposition party used ‘coercive tactics’ to sway voters.

According to the IFP’s KZN chairperson, Cllr Thami Ntuli, the party uncovered compelling information that exposes the ANC’s involvement in coercing voters in Ward 14.

“Disturbing reports indicate that ANC representatives actively enticed individuals to vote for their party, coercing them to take a photograph of their marked ballot as evidence. In return, these voters were promised food parcels which were stored in a nearby community hall and distributed using government trucks. These actions flagrantly disregard the laws and regulations prohibiting campaigning on the day of an election, as well as the buying of votes,” he commented.

Ntuli said that after the IFP uncovered ‘substantial evidence of coercive tactics employed by the ANC’, a formal complaint and grievance was lodged with the IEC on the day of the by-election.

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“We call upon the IEC to conduct a thorough investigation into these serious grievances and ensure that justice is served. As a party committed to upholding democratic values, the IFP refuses to accept the legitimacy of the results in Ward 14,” he added.

In a statement released a day after the by-election, the ANC’s KZN contingent expressed satisfaction with the Ward 14 win.

“We welcome the defeat of the evil alliance of the IFP and the DA in Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality. Following the ANC’s victory in Ward 14, the organisation is engaging with other political parties as part of the removal of the IFP in Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality,” read the statement.

Responding to the claims, the ANC’s Josiah Gumede Region spokesperson Bheki Khanyile labeled the IFP as “terrible losers.”

“This happens all the time… Now that they have lost, they are lying; this underlines and highlights the character of the IFP. Since 2021, people have been taking photos of what party they have voted for and posted it on social media. This happens everywhere, in Ward 14 as well as in Cape Town, Johannesburg, everywhere. Now why, because they have lost the ward, they say we are doing it?” commented Khanyile.

He denied that food parcels were stored in the area and distributed to voters. Instead, he claims that the day before the by-election, a government programme had identified residents that qualify to collect food parcels.

“IFP leadership looted the food parcels, taking it for themselves,” he claimed.

Khanyile also alleged that IFP members “intimidated hundreds” of voters in Ward 5, causing many voters to turn away.

The IEC has confirmed that the objection was lodged.

“The matter has been escalated to the national office legal department and we will await their decision. We will communicate the electoral commission’s decision as soon as we receive anything from our principals,” said IEC regional supervisor Mpumelelo Sithebe.

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