Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ferial Haffajee
Published on 2024-04-10 12:13:43
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) recently faced a setback in the Electoral Court on 9 April, with two rulings going against them. The Court allowed former president Jacob Zuma’s candidacy and also criticized the IEC for limiting voting locations for South Africans living abroad.
Due to tight deadlines, the Court issued these orders without providing detailed judgments. The IEC needs to finalize candidate lists by a certain date and then start printing ballot papers. Additionally, they must notify South Africans living abroad of the voting stations available to them.
While written judgments are expected to be delivered next week, the IEC is currently waiting for them. There is a possibility that the IEC may consider appealing the order regarding Jacob Zuma, however, it is crucial for them to focus on ensuring a free and fair election in 2024.
Concerns about potential violence and instability during the upcoming election are prevalent, despite the IEC’s strong regional and global reputation. The institution needs to remain steadfast in its efforts to deliver a successful election amidst these challenges.
The IEC should avoid getting entangled in legal battles with Zuma or other parties, as it could distract them from their primary responsibilities. Acceptance of the Electoral Court’s decisions is essential to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Taking the dispute further could drain the IEC’s resources and make them vulnerable to manipulation by external forces like Zuma and the MK Party. Attacks on key figures within the institution, such as commissioners Janet Love and Judge Dhaya Pillay, should be addressed but not at the cost of the IEC’s primary mission.
Former IEC chairperson Terry Tselane believes that appealing the court order would not be in the best interest of the institution. It is important to prioritize the national calling of the IEC over individual disputes or political agendas.
The composition of the Electoral Court, with five judges and two non-judge members, highlights the importance of its decisions in the electoral process. The judges bring a wealth of experience and expertise to ensure that electoral disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently.
In conclusion, the IEC must focus on preparing for the upcoming election while upholding its reputation for conducting transparent and credible elections. It is crucial for the institution to navigate through these challenges with integrity and resilience to ensure a successful electoral process in 2024.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
