More controversy surfaces leading up to Ermelo Ward 7 by-elections
Political party members are calling on the IEC to do a thorough investigation into allegations of voters being 'planted'
ERMELO – As the by-election to fill the recently vacated Ward 7 DA councillor, Zelandra Breytenbach’s position approaches on October 23, additional controversies have emerged regarding the voter registration process.
Highvelder has obtained a timetable indicating that registration had occurred on September 7 and 8.
However, several political parties are raising concerns that online registrations may still be open, creating uncertainty about the official closing date.
Political party members are calling on the IEC to do a thorough investigation into allegations of voters being ‘planted’ in guest houses within the ward, despite not being permanent residents.
Several addresses suspected of fraudulent registrations have been shared with Highvelder.
It is alleged that several individuals who registered at a specific guest house do not have permanent residency there.
Consequently, the guest house owner has been urged to file an affidavit with the local police to confirm the non-permanent status of these individuals and address potential attempts to manipulate the election.
The names of these individuals and the guest house have not been published to protect their privacy and avoid potential legal repercussions.
The IEC is reported to have sent a preliminary voters’ roll to the political parties that still includes some individuals who have moved.
According to one political party, the IEC requested them them to exclude about 400 names of individuals who still needed to receive Section 12 letters, informing them that they cannot vote in Ward 7.
Some parties have raised concerns that the IEC should have removed these individuals from the voters’ roll before distributing it to the political parties, as they are unlikely to receive a finalised roll before the election.
Read the complete article in Highvelder.
