5th March 2009

The IFP has condemned violence that broke out in Imbabazane following the announcement of the results of yesterday's by-election in ward 3.

The IFP wrestled the seat from the ANC. 

"The ANC has demonstrated that it is unable to accept the result of a democratic election. This raises concerns about the ruling party's behaviour once it loses the entire province to the IFP on April 22," said IFP KwaZulu Natal Provincial Secretary Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi. 

The IFP is urging restraint in and around Imbabazane where ANC cadres attacked IFP supporters shortly after the result of yesterday's by-election was made public. "Some of our supporters have sustained injuries and had to be taken to hospital," said Dr Buthelezi. 

It is worth remembering that only this Tuesday the ANC signed the IEC's Code of Electoral Conduct which obliges political parties to refrain from intimidation and violence in the run-up to the general election.  

The IFP has taken the Imbabazane seat from the ANC despite intense campaigning by KwaZulu Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele in the area. "The ANC went out in full force, armed with government-sponsored food parcels, but none of this made any difference to the people of Imbabazane," said IFP KwaZulu Natal Premier Candidate Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi earlier today. 

Contact:
Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi
082 516 0156