Hon Deputy Speaker, the Independent Electoral Commission, IEC, continues to find itself making headlines for all the wrong reasons, casting doubt on its expected independence, credibility and integrity. The following has occurred.
In Nongoma, a scanner went missing and people were fraudulently registered for a by-election in a ward in which they did not reside. In Jozini, a similar scenario occurred, and a by-election has been postponed indefinitely. In Abaqulusi, the by-election has been postponed on two occasions.
In Maphumulo, a female voted using her husband's ID. Upon enquiry as to how the officials allowed this to happen, the response was simply that they were tired, and it had been a long day, whilst there were still many hours remaining ahead of the vote.
In Tlokwe, independent candidates were wrongfully denied their right to stand as independent candidates, and the Electoral Court had to reverse this grave democratic injustice. The IFP is appalled at the corrupt election activities which undermine our freedom and democracy, and the IEC must strengthen its security measures. Despite being asked to tighten the voter registration procedures, the IEC has refused to do so.
The question that arises is: If the IEC is battling to manage by-elections, then how can we possibly expect them to manage the 2014 national and provincial elections?
The IEC needs to safeguard its due processes against doubt and mistrust. The credibility, freeness and fairness of elections are heavily dependent on the process itself.
The IEC is an organisation which must lead by example, without incidents of mismanagement or maladministration tarnishing its image. [Time expired.]