The KwaZulu-Natal Electoral Commission has expressed confidence that the Local Government Elections on November 4 will proceed smoothly, despite planned protests on the day. Provincial Electoral Officer Ntombifuthi Masinga stated that law enforcement agencies are aware of and prepared for the marches, alleviating fears of interruptions. The IEC has been informed of the planned protests, which organisers hope will draw attention to their issues.
Masinga's comments come after anti-immigration protests in Durban earlier this month resulted in widespread violence and destruction. The protests, which lasted nearly two days, saw 14 vehicles torched, businesses close, vandalism, traffic disruptions, and looting. The unrest prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to authorise the deployment of 510 members of the South African National Defence Force to assist the police in maintaining law and order.
The IEC has welcomed the government's swift action to restore law and order, saying it bolsters the police's capacity to deal with sporadic marches and monitor the situation. Masinga expressed concern that scenes of violence, like those in Durban, could deter people from voting. The IEC has been engaging with the Justice and Crime Prevention Cluster for weeks and has daily meetings with Provjoints to get briefings on the state of readiness and latest intelligence.
Masinga said the engagements with the Justice and Crime Prevention Cluster have not just been about planning and prevention, but also education. The IEC has sought to nurture a greater understanding of the electoral process and what constitutes an electoral offence among those in the cluster. This includes educating them on the importance of a peaceful and free electoral process.
KwaZulu-Natal is a province that is well acquainted with political violence and intimidation, Masinga acknowledged. She urged parties to refrain from any disorderly conduct during this election, saying that no one wins when voters are afraid to cast their vote. The IEC has been engaging with political parties and imploring them to be cognisant of the impact of their actions on the electoral process.
The IEC's efforts to ensure a smooth electoral process include daily meetings with Provjoints and engagements with political parties. Masinga said the IEC never stops talking to political parties and urging them to act responsibly. The commission is committed to creating a safe and secure environment for voters to cast their ballots.
The Local Government Elections are set to take place on November 4, and the IEC is working to ensure that the process is peaceful and free. With the deployment of the army and increased law enforcement, the commission is confident that the elections will proceed smoothly. Voters are encouraged to come out and cast their ballots, and the IEC is working to create a safe and secure environment for them to do so.
Key points
- The KwaZulu-Natal Electoral Commission is confident that the Local Government Elections will proceed smoothly despite planned protests.
- The commission has welcomed the government's deployment of the army to assist the police in maintaining law and order.
- The IEC has been engaging with political parties and the Justice and Crime Prevention Cluster to ensure a peaceful and free electoral process.
