A senior official has been dismissed by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for disclosing the 2024 ANC candidate list and other sensitive information.
IEC fires elections official over ANC and MK Party candidate list
On Tuesday, the IEC announced the termination of an official implicated in the unauthorised release of candidate lists for the African National Congress (ANC) and the MK Party.
This individual, stationed at a Gauteng IEC office, is accused of accessing and leaking data pertaining to various political entities.
Sy Mamabolo, the Chief Electoral Officer, confirmed that while current findings suggest a lone perpetrator, the investigation continues to ensure no additional breaches occurred.
“So we have not raised the conclusion point of the investigation but we have to really cover all the bases to ensure that all possibility is precluded,” Mamabolo said.
Despite these challenges, the ANC has reiterated its trust in the IEC’s ability to secure the election process, with Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula expressing confidence in the system’s integrity and the eventual accountability of those responsible.
ANC defends its candidate list
In response to criticism over its selection of candidates for the upcoming 2024 general elections, the ANC has defended its process, particularly in the wake of allegations against certain members cited in the Zondo Commission’s report.
Among those retained on the candidate list are high-profile figures such as Malusi Gigaba, David Mahlobo, Cedric Frolic, and Zizi Kodwa.
Mbalula highlighted the ANC’s commitment to due process, explaining that any actions against implicated members await the National Executive Committee’s (NEC) confirmation of the Integrity Commission’s findings.
“With members of the ANC who are on the list, their cases have not been confirmed by the NEC (national executive committee) and it is due to process cases which come from the integrity commission that affect individuals,” he said.
Mbalula assured that no implicated individual has been excused from scrutiny.
Key facts to know ahead of 2024 general elections
As South Africa approaches its seventh democratic general elections on 29 May 2024, the political landscape is marked by uncertainty and significant challenges.
The ANC, facing scrutiny over corruption and governance failures, might see its voter support drop below 50% for the first time since taking power in 1994.
This potential decline could necessitate coalition formations or even relegate the ANC to the opposition in some areas.
The upcoming elections are seen as pivotal, with possible impacts on the country’s political system, economic strategies, and international relations.
Additionally, the emergence of new parties and the call by former President Jacob Zuma for support of the MK Party add to the election’s complexity and unpredictability.