THE Democratic Alliance has laid a criminal charge against City of uMhlathuze Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo for a photograph that was posted on social media of him showing his marked ballot papers.
The photo was posted last Monday, the first day of special voting, but was removed minutes later.
KZN MPL Ann McDonnell on Sunday confirmed that a charge was laid at the eSikhaleni police station, claiming Mhlongo contravened the Electoral Act.
‘We are concerned that people in leadership positions are happy to be in breach of the provisions of the Electoral Act which safeguards the freedom and fairness of elections, thus giving the impression that it is acceptable to advertise one’s ballot and therefore choice of party,’ McDonnell said.
Mhlongo last week told the Zululand Observer he had not posted the photo himself and directed further queries to the ANC in the region, who subsequently issued a statement.
‘The ANC in the Musa Dladla Region has since apologised unreservedly to the IEC for the honest error,’ read the statement.
‘We also urge the IEC to continue educating voters on its new rules.’
The statement continued, saying that as the ANC’s mayoral candidate for the City of uMhlathuze, Cllr Mhlongo’s vote was no secret.
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