Cape Town – The Electoral Court is set to hear the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s complaint against President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding his May 26 national address, shortly before pivotal elections.
The DA alleged that Ramaphosa used the address to sway votes towards the African National Congress (ANC), requesting penalties including a 1% reduction in ANC votes and a fine of R200,000 against Ramaphosa personally.
They accused the president of misusing his position and public resources for partisan gain, claiming his rhetoric echoed ANC themes and violated electoral laws and constitutional provisions, SABC reported.
The DA also suggested Ramaphosa’s actions may constitute a criminal offence, though it was unclear if they pursued a criminal complaint following the elections.
In his address, Ramaphosa highlighted the sixth administration’s achievements, including efforts to tackle corruption, handle the Covid-19 pandemic, combat gender-based violence, and reduce load shedding.
He also mentioned the signing into law of the National Health Insurance Bill (NHI).
The DA, however, claimed Ramaphosa’s address was an attempt to campaign for the ANC just before the elections on 29 May.
DA leader John Steenhuisen argued this violated the Electoral Code by abusing the president’s position to influence the election outcome.
🚨The DA will file an urgent court application against Ramaphosa for violating the Electoral Code of Conduct.
In his “address to the nation” last night, he abused the highest office in the land to manipulate voters.
Let’s #VoteDA and get rid of the ANC!https://t.co/43XJWqHJnI
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) May 27, 2024
“Among other provisions, the Code as contained in the Electoral Act states expressly that ‘no person may abuse a position of power, privilege or influence, including parental, patriarchal, traditional or employment authority, to influence the conduct or outcome of an election‘,” Steenhuisen said.
He added: “Ramaphosa’s manipulation was cynical, calculated and designed to influence the outcome of the election by providing the ANC with unearned airtime not made available to any other party contesting the election.”
“Not for the first time, Ramaphosa has chosen his corrupt political party over South Africa. As the President, he should have known better and must be held to account. This type of abuse cannot be allowed by anyone.”
Steenhuisen said that Ramaphosa’s misuse of the presidential office indicated panic, as he realised that voters were set to hold the ANC accountable for corruption and misrule.
He also warned that Ramaphosa’s actions suggested the ANC was willing to undermine constitutional democracy to retain power.
According to The Citizen, Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, defended the address at the time, saying it was a non-partisan account of the administration’s work and an assurance of free and fair elections.
Despite previously being opposition, the DA has joined the ANC in a Government of National Unity.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
