Deputy presiding officer removed from voting station in Benoni, East Rand

It has been confirmed that an electoral deputy presiding officer was removed from duty at a voting station in Ward 73 after information surfaced indicating the officer allowed a party agent to assist in the transfer of special votes, Benoni City Times reports.

The confirmation came from regional supervisor for the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in Ekurhuleni Ali Magabane, following a press release issued by the Tshwane National Results Operations Centre on Tuesday (May 7).

The release stated the deputy presiding officer was removed following an investigation into a video that revealed a party agent assisting with the transfer of special votes, which began on Monday and are due to be concluded on Tuesday.

“The video, which went viral on Monday, showed a party agent helping to transfer special votes in their double envelopes from a ballot bag used during home visits to a ballot box in the voting station,” the release read.

“The handling of any electoral material by any party agent is strictly prohibited.

“They are only allowed to observe operations and raise objections.

“The deputy presiding officer, who was overseeing the process, has therefore been removed.”

When questioned by the City Times regarding the press release, Magabane said the information drawn from it was sufficient.

Magabane added: “We are suggesting the deputy presiding officer be replaced.

“He appears to be interfering with the work of the IEC (by not adhering to regulation), therefore, it is better if he is replaced.”

The media contacted the deputy manager for electoral matters in Gauteng, Ledimo Nthejane, regarding the matter.

Nthejane said the party agent would also be removed from duty.

“An overzealous party agent handled the IEC material,” said Nthejane.

“This is not allowed as a party agent is simply there to watch the proceedings and raise objections.

“The party agent will be removed from duty.”