The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng has submitted 35 formal objections to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) over alleged discrepancies in voter registrations. The objections relate to counting discrepancies, differences between recorded and captured results, and other matters requiring further examination. ANC Gauteng coordinator Sochayile Khanyile stated that the objections arose from reports and observations by party agents.
The ANC has alleged that a property on Lerothodi Street in Sebokeng was used by 1,582 voters as their residential address. A visit to the area revealed that the property is a humble two-bedroom RDP house, with only one occupant, a man who was at work during the visit. Neighbours confirmed that he lives alone, and his wife passed away some time ago. The ANC's allegations have raised concerns about potential voting fraud.
Another property at 14659 Khaketla Street in Sebokeng Unit 11 was allegedly used by 635 voters as their home address. However, a visit to the site revealed that it is actually a Usave supermarket. The manager stated that he was not aware of voters using the business as their home address and confirmed that the store only employs about 20 workers. The manager also stated that the store is not allowed to be associated with any political party.
The ANC also alleged that 785 voters had used a property in Lenasia as their home address. A visit to the property revealed that it is actually Lenasia South District Hospital, an outpatient facility. The CEO stated that the hospital was not aware of the matter and that it would not make sense for the hospital to be used as an address for registered voters. The hospital has a published capacity of about 103 beds.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) had previously lodged objections with the IEC in August over voter registrations at several addresses, including the Lenasia South hospital. The DA's objection stated that patients are not ordinarily residents at the hospital and that staff employed there are likewise ordinary residents at their own homes. The IEC had redacted the addresses of the voters identified in the DA's objection.
The ANC's Sedibeng regional chairperson, Mangaliso Hlongwane, stated that the party was not aware of the dispute raised by the DA in August. The ANC in Sedibeng has issued a statement saying it will approach the electoral court over what it describes as unresolved discrepancies in the certified voters' roll for Emfuleni, Midvaal, and Lesedi. The IEC has not yet been served with court papers by the ANC.
The IEC spokesperson, David Mandaha, stated that the window to object had expired on November 6 and that the commission had moved on. Mandaha also stated that if the matter goes to court, the IEC's position is clear and that they cannot discuss it. The ANC's allegations have raised concerns about the integrity of the voter registration process in Gauteng.
Key points
- ANC submits 35 objections to IEC over alleged voter registration discrepancies
- Allegations of voter registration irregularities raised concerns about potential voting fraud
- IEC has not yet been served with court papers by ANC over voter registration dispute
