Cape Town — The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) CEO, Sy Mamabolo, said it would not be intimidated by threats of violence coming from political parties ahead of this year’s general elections.
Speaking to the media at the National Press Club discussion, Mamabolo said there are risks for the upcoming elections, which including rolling blackouts and an unsafe voting environment, but said the IEC would not be intimidated by any sort of threats of violence from any party, SABC News reported.
“If you want to discredit the process you don’t do it on the day of elections, you have to do it in the buildup and when you lose on election day, you can say I told you. So that issue, it’s a risk that we are alive to and we are doing some work quietly.” Mamabolo said.
“There are engagements with the relevant parties and instances may eventuate where we are forced to approach the judiciary for intervention like the Electoral Court.” he added.
[WATCH] Mamabolo reiterates that the commission is not threatened by threats.
He assures all South Africans that the IEC will discharge its duties without any fear. #SAElections24 pic.twitter.com/FdaatRMSza
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) March 14, 2024
According to East Cape Radio, the IEC warning comes after it received threats from uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) threatened to derail the elections if the party’s name was not on the ballot papers come 29 May. Mamabolo said the commission would use the electoral code of conduct.
“You may be aware of threats by this one or the other electoral contestants, those contestants need to be aware that the electoral code of conduct now takes effect and should there be repeat offences, it will leave the commission with no choose but to pursue enforcement procedures in the Electoral Court,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo moved to assure South Africans that the commission will discharge its duties without fear of intimidation.
“Quite frankly, the commission is not intimidated by the insinuations of violence that may be visited upon South Africans. Of course the commission is concerned for the safety of all citizens and that nothing happens to people on the day of voting, but the commission doesn’t feel intimidated in any ways.” he said.
[WATCH] IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo says when the elections code of conduct comes into effect, the commission will have no choice but to approach court to report parties that threaten to disturb elections. #SAElections24 pic.twitter.com/QtAJSgFYtl
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) March 14, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
