Election posters quandary in Ermelo cleared up
Upon further inquiry with the municipality, Arnoldi said he was informed that the waste management section had been instructed to take the collected posters to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) offices.
ERMELO – Concerns over the removal of election posters in town have been clarified following a visit by the Freedom Front Plus’ councillor, Shobie Arnoldi to the Msukaligwa Municipality.
Initial reports from concerned residents suggested that a municipal-registered bakkie was seen removing election posters belonging to various political parties, leading to suspicions of possible non-compliance or something more sinister.
Arnoldi, after looking into the matter, has provided a detailed explanation:
“It was found that the posters in question were not removed, but were instead collected from the ground by the municipal waste section. I was informed by the municipal manager, Maqhawe Kunene, that the waste management team, noticed the fallen posters during their routine duties and picked them up.”
Upon further inquiry with the municipality, Arnoldi said he was informed that the waste management section had been instructed to take the collected posters to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) offices.
“This protocol ensures that misplaced or fallen election materials are handled appropriately and returned to the IEC, rather than being discarded or left unattended.”
Arnoldi confirmed that there is no suspicion of foul play from their side.
He assured that the situation would be monitored to ensure continued fairness and transparency in handling election materials in the lead-up to the elections.
“Posters are the property of the respective political parties, and it is an offence to damage them. The public is urged that, if they observe such actions, they should take photos of the individuals and vehicles involved and report them to the respective political party,” Arnoldi concluded.
Highvelder has also sent question to Mandla Zwane, spokesperson for the municipality to verify the information.
He acknowledged that the conversation between Arnoldi and Kunene took place and that it is indeed what had transpired.
Zwane further sighted the Electoral Act 73 of 1997 part 92, which states, “From the date on which an election is called to the date the result of the election is determined and declared in terms of section 57, no person may deface or unlawfully remove any billboard, placard or poster published by a registered party or candidate.”
