22 April 2009

The IFP has distanced itself from the incident in Ulundi where an IEC officer allegedly stuffed a ballot box with ballot papers pre-marked in its favour.

"The IFP condemns in the strongest terms any electoral irregularities. The IEC is responsible for ensuring the security of ballot papers and must explain how these ballots have got into criminal hands," said IFP National Organiser Albert Mncwango.

The IFP is deeply concerned that if ballots have not been kept securely, they may have got into the hands of politically motivated elements desperate to discredit the IFP.

The IFP is also extremely concerned by other electoral irregularities coming to light. "Yesterday evening an IFP observer discovered that seven ballot boxes containing special votes were not sealed at Emaweleni satellite station in Umlazi as they are required to be. The IFP has lodged a case in this regard at Umlazi police station," said Mncwango.

The IFP has noted that these fresh irregularities come on top of the packets of ballot papers found by the road in Mpumalanga.

The IFP also wishes to report that in the Vulamehlo local municipality stamps for ballots in many voting stations are missing and voting is not taking place. "The IEC must act immediately to deal with these matters which threaten a free and fair election," said Mncwango.

Contact:
Albert Mncwango,                083 448 4896