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A viral video raises questions about the security of ballot papers in Durban ahead of the elections.
(The Post News)-The MK Party has accused the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of vote rigging in Durban, ahead of the highly anticipated elections set for May 29.
This allegation comes amidst a tense pre-election atmosphere, with the MK Party asserting that they have uncovered a suspected vote-rigging scheme at a ballot storage facility in KwaZulu-Natal, which was later confirmed to be an IEC storage site.
The controversy escalated when videos surfaced on social media, purportedly showing irregularities in the handling of ballot papers at IEC sites in eThekwini.
The situation escalated when MK Party members reportedly stormed an IEC storage hub at a library in Hammarsdale, demanding answers and transparency.
The MK Party, a political group with historical ties to the armed wing of the ANC during the apartheid era, has released a statement alleging that the IEC is complicit in manipulating the electoral process.
“For the longest time, society has been convinced that the IEC is the IEC of the ANC. The ANC has been the ruling party for a long time, and because they have been a majority, they’ve been in a position to appoint the IEC officials,” stated Unisa professor Boitumelo Senokoane.
The IEC has responded to these allegations, asserting that the videos from Hammarsdale and the Chesterville depots depicted “planned logistical arrangements and storage of election materials as we prepare for the first day of special voting.”
IEC spokesperson, Kate Bapela emphasised that these are legitimate and authorised arrangements for the distribution of ballot papers and other bulk material.
The IEC maintains that the storage sites where the ballot papers were kept are guarded on a 24-hour basis to protect against unauthorised entry, burglary, and tampering with election materials.
Despite these assurances, the MK Party remains sceptical and has called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
The allegations have cast a shadow over the upcoming elections, with many voters expressing concern over the fairness and transparency of the process.
The MK Party has urged its supporters to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the elections.
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