The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) notes the announcement by COGTA Minister, Hon. Dlamini-Zuma, of her intention to proclaim the date of the upcoming Local Government Election (LGE).
Minister Dlamini-Zuma has made it clear that her Department will follow the recommendations of the recently released Moseneke Report. However, based on legal opinion, the Minister is obligated to proclaim the 2021 LGE date of 27 October. In the absence of a Court Order, the Minister must fulfil her constitutional and statutory obligations, as related to the LGE.
Once the date has been proclaimed, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) – as per the recommendation of the Moseneke Report – may approach the Courts for a Court Order to delay the LGE.
As the IFP, we therefore urge the IEC to approach the requisite Court immediately, on an urgent basis, to secure the necessary Court Order, and subsequent postponement.
Based on the very thorough investigation by the Moseneke Inquiry, as well as the support for the Report by both the IEC, as well as government, the IFP is confident that the Court now has all the necessary information before it to make an informed decision, as to whether or not to postpone the upcoming LGE.
The IFP believes all necessary steps must be taken to ensure a free and fair election, as well as the continued health and wellbeing of all South Africans.
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Contact:
Narend Singh, MP
IFP Chief Whip
083 788 5954