The MK Party has objected to the vote count in eThekwini, challenging the preliminary results that show it falling short of an outright majority. In a submission to the Electoral Commission of South Africa, the party requested a freeze on processing and declaring results to allow for an independent audit. The party alleges that electronically captured vote totals differ from signed results slips completed by its agents at voting stations.
The MK Party also accused the IEC of serious failures at its eThekwini results operations centre, citing a system breakdown during live results capture and transmission that disrupted data streams and altered visible audit trails. Furthermore, the party raised concerns about discrepancies between figures displayed on the IEC's electronic leaderboards and those recorded on certified physical results slips. These discrepancies have raised questions about the integrity of the vote count.
According to IEC projections, the MK Party has secured around 39% of the vote in eThekwini, leaving it dependent on smaller parties or a larger coalition partner to govern the metro. This situation has echoes of the 2024 national and provincial elections, when the MK Party secured 47% of the vote in KwaZulu-Natal but was excluded from the provincial government by a coalition of rival parties. The MK Party is now facing a similar challenge in eThekwini.
The MK Party has not abandoned hope of assembling a majority with smaller parties, but an arrangement with the ANC could prove complicated. Divisions are emerging within both parties over whether they should work together. Some MK Party insiders have expressed openness to an arrangement with the ANC, but party leader Jacob Zuma's approval is uncertain. The MK Party's national disciplinary committee chair, Dali Mpofu, emphasized that any agreement must be approved by the party's presidency.
MK Party acting secretary-general Lindiwe Mtshali Makhubu stated that the party's natural inclination is to work with parties that share its values and vision for South Africa. However, the party is open to discussions with various players. The ANC is also divided over whether to negotiate with the MK Party or take up the opposition benches. The ANC's coalition task team met on Friday to discuss its options, with some national leaders favouring remaining in opposition.
ANC chair Gwede Mantashe has indicated that the party should consider going into opposition under certain circumstances. However, the national leadership faces pressure from the ANC's KwaZulu-Natal structures to engage with the MK Party. Regional leaders are pushing for discussions with the MK Party, citing the need to learn from past experiences. The ANC paid a price in some of its traditional strongholds for sidelining the MK Party after the 2024 provincial elections.
As negotiations unfold, there is growing support within the MK Party for nominating former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede to lead the metro if it secures a governing coalition. Provincial leaders will handle negotiations in hung municipalities under national guidance. The outcome remains uncertain, with various scenarios possible in the coming days. The MK Party's challenge to the vote count has added a new layer of complexity to the situation.
Key points
- MK Party disputes eThekwini vote count, cites discrepancies between electronic and physical results
- Party seeks independent audit, alleges IEC failures at results operations centre
- MK Party's governing prospects uncertain, with possible coalition arrangements with ANC or smaller parties
