/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal has rejected the by-election results in Mthonjaneni
following claims that some ballot papers went missing in one of the voting
stations. It calls on the IEC to declare the by-election results invalid.

"The IFP wants the IEC to explain how ballot papers in one of the voting
station went missing. We will lodge a formal complaint. We have been
informed by a reliable source that some ballot papers went missing in the
voting station where the ANC was declared a winner. The IEC must act
immediately to deal with these allegations which threaten a free and fair
election," said IFP National Chairperson, Mr Blessed Gwala.

"It is a well-known fact that if the IFP was involved in this debacle
by-election results would have been withheld pending an investigation. The
IFP is also very concerned that state resources are being used to influence
the outcome of elections. This is tantamount to voter fraud. The IEC should
do everything in its power to ensure that the ANC is not allowed to buy
votes," continued Mr Gwala.

"The IFP will continue to mobilise the support of the community in the fight
against the abuse of government resources by the ruling party," concluded Mr
Gwala.

Issued by the IFP