SA Elections: No Political Party Has Received Observer Status
Controversy began when reports emerged suggesting that the ANC had enlisted the support of ZANU-PF for its election campaign
SA Elections: No Political Party Has Received Observer Status
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa has refuted claims that Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU PF, has been accredited to observe the upcoming South African elections.
The IEC has made it clear that no political party, including ZANU PF, has received observer status.
The controversy began when reports emerged suggesting that the African National Congress (ANC) had enlisted the support of ZANU-PF for its election campaign.
This led to a significant uproar, with the African Transformation Movement (ATM) expressing serious reservations about ZANU-PF’s potential involvement in the elections.
SA Elections: No Political Party Has Received Observer Status
ATM’s leader, Vuyo Zungula, highlighted accusations of electoral malpractice against ZANU-PF, arguing that their participation could undermine the integrity of the South African electoral process.
In response to ATM’s concerns, the IEC clarified that it had not accredited ZANU PF or any other political party as observers for the elections.
IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said:
“I acknowledge receipt of your letter in which you expressed concerns regarding ZANU PF’s participation in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections as an observer. The Commission would like to reassure you and the ATM community that it has not accredited ZANU PF or any other political party to observe elections in South Africa.”
The commission added that it has stringent measures in place to safeguard the electoral process and maintain its stature:
“The Commission strongly believes in the integrity of the elections it manages and therefore safeguards against measures that would compromise its processes.”
