An Eastern Cape PR councillor candidate has been disqualified from the 2026 municipal elections following their arrest over the alleged attempted theft of ballot papers and other election material. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) confirmed the disqualification, citing the candidate's breach of the code of conduct for political parties. The incident occurred when the candidate and another suspect, who is still at large, visited the IEC storage centre at the Ngcobo police station and demanded voting material for two voting stations.
According to IEC provincial electoral officer Khayakazi Magudumane, the alleged incident took place at around 4am on Monday. The candidate and the suspect claimed they were authorised to collect the material, but verification revealed no such arrangement had been made. The IEC reported the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the main suspect was arrested on Tuesday. A second suspect remains at large, with police continuing to seek their arrest.
The disqualified candidate was part of the PR list for the 2026 municipal elections. The IEC's code of conduct for political parties prohibits candidates from engaging in behaviour that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process. By attempting to steal ballot papers and other election material, the candidate contravened this code and forfeited their right to participate in the elections.
In a separate incident, a presiding officer in Mdantsane's ward 30 has been relieved of their duties amid allegations of misconduct. The officer is accused of transporting party agents in their own vehicle during home visits for special votes, and distributing party T-shirts during these visits. The IEC emphasised that its officials must remain impartial and avoid any actions that could be perceived as supporting a particular political party.
Magudumane stressed that presiding officers are trained to maintain neutrality and adhere to strict guidelines during the electoral process. The IEC takes allegations of misconduct seriously and will investigate any breaches of its code of conduct. The removal of the presiding officer and the disqualification of the PR councillor candidate demonstrate the IEC's commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
The IEC's handling of these incidents highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in ensuring the credibility of the 2026 municipal elections. The commission's efforts to prevent irregularities and maintain public trust in the electoral process are ongoing. As the elections approach, the IEC will continue to monitor the conduct of candidates and officials to prevent similar incidents.
The incidents serve as a reminder of the critical role that the IEC and its officials play in safeguarding the democratic process. By taking swift action against those who compromise the integrity of the electoral process, the IEC helps to maintain public confidence in the system and ensure that elections are free and fair.
Key points
- The disqualified candidate was arrested for attempting to steal ballot papers and other election material from the IEC storage centre at the Ngcobo police station.
- A presiding officer in Mdantsane was removed from their duties for allegedly transporting party agents and distributing party T-shirts during special-vote home visits.
- The IEC remains committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and taking action against those who breach its code of conduct.
