DA labels removal of election posters as ‘sabotage’
The DA regards the removal of its election posters in the Groblersdal CBD as "sabotage"
LIMPOPO – The party opened a case with the police after municipal officials from the Elias Motsoaledi Municipality removed their election posters, while the ANC’s remained on the poles.
DAÂ Provincial Spokesperson, Solly Malatsi, said:Â “we are concerned that the council took a resolution after the removal of the posters in an attempt to rectify the unlawful removal.
The removal of our posters in the CBD is a violation of the Electoral Act.
According to Section 92 of the Act, the defacing, damaging or unlawfully removing any billboard, placard or poster published by a registered party or candidate removal from the date on which an election is called and declared, is a serious criminal offence.
Malatsi said the removal of the posters was indicative of the ruling party feeling “intimidated” by the DA’s growth in the Elias Motsoaledi Municipality.
“They know we are a force to be reckoned with come 3 August (Local Government election date).”
Provincial Electoral Officer, Nkaro Mateta, confirmed it was unlawful to remove political party posters during the campaign period.
“We ordered the officials to return all the DA election posters they unlawfully removed. Their resolution to remove political party posters is illegal.”
Despite ANC posters remaining on the poles, the Spokesperson for the municipality, Mbusi Mahlangu said the DA posters contravened a municipal by-law and were therefore removed.
According to Mahlangu, the municipality would have to change the by-law.
