The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa has issued a warning against intimidation of its officials amid allegations circulating on social media. The allegations claim that IEC officials entered voting stations with already marked ballot papers. However, the IEC has stated that it has received no reports confirming these allegations. The warning comes as the IEC conducts special voting home visits ahead of the general voting day on Wednesday.
The IEC's KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson, Thabani Ngwira, said the commission had neither seen the videos circulating on social media nor received reports about the allegations. The IEC has urged members of the public to allow officials to carry out their duties without confrontation or intimidation. Interference with electoral staff, the IEC said, makes it difficult for officials to reach voters at addresses where approved home visits had been scheduled.
The IEC has warned that intimidating election officials, taking unauthorised photographs of them, and posting the images on social media constitute criminal offences. The commission has also reminded voters that campaigning, canvassing, intimidating, or attempting to influence voters inside voting stations is not permitted. Furthermore, photographing marked ballot papers is strictly prohibited.
The warning comes as the second and final day of special voting takes place on Tuesday. Approved voters who had not yet cast their special votes will have another opportunity to do so between 8am and 5pm on Tuesday. Officials will also continue conducting approved home visits for eligible voters who are unable to travel to voting stations.
The IEC has urged voters awaiting home visits to remain at the addresses reflected in their approved applications to ensure officials can locate them. This will enable the commission to conduct the special voting process smoothly and efficiently. The IEC has also assured voters that it is committed to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
The special voting process is an important part of the electoral process, allowing voters who are unable to visit polling stations to cast their votes. The IEC has made arrangements for home visits to ensure that all eligible voters have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. The commission has also put in place measures to ensure the security and integrity of the voting process.
As the general voting day approaches, the IEC has reiterated its commitment to a free and fair election. The commission has urged all voters to exercise their right to vote and to do so in a safe and secure environment. The IEC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Key points
- The IEC has warned against intimidation of its officials amid unverified allegations that officials entered voting stations with marked ballot papers.
- The commission has urged members of the public to allow officials to carry out their duties without confrontation or intimidation.
- The IEC has reminded voters that campaigning, canvassing, intimidating, or attempting to influence voters inside voting stations is not permitted.
