IEC receives 28 complaints ahead of local government elections
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says it has received 28 complaints from various parts of the country relating to alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct.
One ward candidate from ward 7 in Tshwane has also been disqualified.
According to IEC CEO Mosotho Moepya, 20 complaints have been resolved, while seven are currently under investigation.
He added that the resolved complaints were dealt with through
legal processes, mediation, and either withdrawn or closed due to a lack of
evidence. "One case was referred to the Electoral Court which on Friday
disqualified a ward candidate for Ward 7 in Tshwane. Votes cast for this
candidate will not count."
Last week, boxes containing
ballot papers were stolen from a delivery vehicle in Dobsonville, Soweto. Moepya said they had since been recovered and would not affect
the election process. Arrangements have also been made for replacement ballots.
"We have dealt with it, police have found the ballots. We are very
satisfied that the situation has been handled well.