Spoilt ballots amount to two seats in Parliament
JOBURG - The campaign was aimed at convincing struggle activists and others not to vote for the ANC or the DA, but rather to vote for a small political party or at least spoil their votes by writing 'no' on the ballot paper.
The number of spoilt ballots in the 2014 general election totalled the votes needed to secure two seats in Parliament.
Of the 6 904 547 votes that have been counted thus far, 100 174 ballots were spoilt.
However, had these votes been cast to a political party, that party would have been awarded two of the 400 seats available in Parliament as to gain a seat 50 000 votes are required.
Earlier, the percentage of spoilt ballots was considered small in relation to the ballots cast, but the number had become four times higher as counting continued.
Leading up to election day on 8 May, former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils led the Sidikiwe! Vukani! Vote No! Campaign.
The campaign was aimed at convincing struggle activists and others not to vote for the ANC or the DA, but rather to vote for a small political party or at least spoil their votes by writing ‘no’ on the ballot paper.
