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The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs is concerned by media reports that the Independent Electoral Commission has admitted that a number of voters voted outside their wards during the municipal by-elections in Tlokwe. In an article which appeared in a major weekend newspaper titled “IEC admits voter fraud,” it is reported that the Chief Electoral Officer conceded in an affidavit to the Electoral Court that 1040 voters voted outside their wards.

This admission is concerning because of the centrality of the IEC and electoral processes in ensuring a viable democratic order. Such incidents, if not dealt with effectively, have the potential of undermining not only the credibility of the IEC as an institution, but the democracy of the country. The foundation of the 20 years of democratic order in the country has been premised on transparency and legitimacy of the electoral processes. The Committee is of the view that this legitimacy must be guarded jealously.  

While the IEC is the custodian of elections in South Africa and the responsibility of ensuring the integrity of those elections rests with them, a collaborative effort with other institutions such as the Municipal Demarcation Board and Local government is necessary to ensure that this (incident of this nature) does not happen again.         

As the Commission prepares for the upcoming municipal elections in 2016, plans should be in place to mitigate against such occurrences. The Committee will in the months leading to these elections ensure that such plans are in place. 


ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HOME AFFAIRS