The uMkhonto weSizwe Party, also known as the MK Party, has formally objected to the Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) process in eThekwini, calling for a freeze on the capturing of election results. This decision comes after the party alleged systemic failures, discrepancies in results, and irregularities in the counting and verification process. According to the MK Party, these issues arose from a system breakdown during the live results-capturing and data-transmission process.
The MK Party's objection was submitted to the IEC on Friday, November 6. The party claims that the system breakdown disrupted data streams and altered visible audit trails at the eThekwini Results Operations Centre (ROC). This situation has raised concerns about the integrity of the election results in eThekwini. The IEC has not yet publicly responded to the MK Party's allegations and demands.
As the election results continue to be processed, other political parties are also making their moves. ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba addressed the media about his party's plans after the elections. Meanwhile, ATM leader and Johannesburg mayoral candidate Vuyo Zungula highlighted his party's growth, pointing to ward wins in Nyandeni in the Eastern Cape and parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The vote counting process is entering its final stages, with 98% of the voting results received at the National Results Operations Centre (NROC) in Midrand, Johannesburg. The IEC is expected to officially announce the results on Sunday. Preliminary results show that 122 councils are hung, including two metros - Mangaung and Nelson Mandela Bay.
In other developments, Democratic Alliance Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille expressed her preference for a coalition with either ActionSA or the ANC in Johannesburg. She believes a two-party government would be easier to manage than a broad coalition involving several smaller parties. The final outcome, however, will depend on the results and negotiations.
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has signaled its willingness to work with the Democratic Alliance in coalition governments, despite PA leader Gayton McKenzie's repeated criticism of the DA. This decision comes after the PA lost its founding Eldorado Park Ward 18 in Johannesburg to the DA. McKenzie stated that the PA's approach to coalitions would be guided by the needs of communities rather than personal animosity.
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) conducted a survey on voters' experiences during the election. The results showed high confidence in the voting process but a gradual decline in trust in the IEC. Additionally, IEC workers have described the conditions during the counting process as "inhumane," revealing the challenges faced by election staff to ensure that every vote is counted.
Key points
- The MK Party demands a freeze on eThekwini election results due to alleged system failures and irregularities.
- The IEC is set to officially announce the election results on Sunday.
- Preliminary results show 122 hung councils, including two metros - Mangaung and Nelson Mandela Bay.
