The Umkhonto weSizwe (MKP) party in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed concern over the slow pace of vote counting in the province, particularly in municipalities where the party believes it performed well. According to Mkhuseli Mlengane, the party's spokesperson in KZN, the slow pace of vote counting has raised concerns about the accuracy of the results. The party has been monitoring the vote counting process closely, with its volunteers and representatives present at various voting stations.
Mlengane stated that the party is worried that the results from many voting stations where its supporters were present have not been uploaded to the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC) results system. He cited the 2024 elections as an example, where the party questioned whether the final results matched its expectations. The party has since raised this issue with the IEC, but has not yet lodged a formal complaint.
The IEC has attributed the delay to the complexity of the ballot papers, particularly in Thekwini, which has made the process more time-consuming. However, Mlengane said this explanation does not fully address the party's concerns, as its supporters are eager to see how the party performed in the province. The party has not made any sweeping allegations about the process but wants the IEC to provide a satisfactory explanation for the delay.
At the time of the interview, approximately 70% of the results in KwaZulu-Natal had been tabulated, with the MKP receiving 34.40% of the votes, winning 221 wards, and controlling three municipalities. Mlengane said the party is still waiting for the IEC to clarify whether the slow pace of vote counting will have any impact on the overall results.
The MKP's concerns about the vote counting process come amid allegations of irregularities and delays in the province. The party has been vocal about its concerns, but has not provided any evidence to support its claims. The IEC has assured the public that the vote counting process is transparent and accurate.
The slow pace of vote counting has raised concerns about the credibility of the electoral process in KwaZulu-Natal. The province is one of the most populous in South Africa, and any irregularities or delays in the vote counting process could have significant implications for the overall outcome of the elections.
The IEC has urged all parties to remain calm and to allow the vote counting process to unfold without interference. The commission has also assured the public that it will provide regular updates on the progress of the vote counting process. The MKP and other parties have been urged to work with the IEC to resolve any issues that may arise during the vote counting process.
Key points
- The MKP party in KwaZulu-Natal has expressed concern over the slow pace of vote counting in the province.
- The party believes it performed well in municipalities where vote counting has been delayed.
- The IEC has attributed the delay to the complexity of the ballot papers.
