The African National Congress has noted with concern the claims of vote rigging made by the first Deputy General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP), Comrade Solly Mapaila in the by-elections held in Metsimaholo today, 29 November 2017.

Like all other parties contesting the by-elections, the ANC is represented in the Political Liaison Committee (PLC) which meets on a daily basis to ensure credible, free and fair elections.

Following a PLC meeting this morning, we have received a report that no party lodged a complaint on irregularities of the voters roll and bussing in of people or voters. To this end, the ANC demands irrefutable evidence on the allegations made and that such evidence should be brought to the 14H00pm meeting of the PLC in Sasolburg today.

After such submissions are made to the PLC, the ANC calls for a formal investigation by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) into the allegations made. We equally urge all contesting parties to refrain from making statements that falsely accuse other parties and that cannot be proved.

We look forward to successful, credible, free and fair by-elections in the Metsomaholo Municipality and in all other Wards contested nationwide

 

Issued by the African National Congress