The AbaQulusi Local Municipality Ward 12 by-election took place on Wednesday, with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) securing the ward.

Several political parties, including the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and African National Congress (ANC), had been actively campaigning for the ward in the weeks leading up to the vote. While the results were welcomed by some, others expressed dissatisfaction.

Opposition raises concerns over voting process

In the Isolomuzi voting district, some opposition party members raised concerns about the conduct of the election, alleging that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) did not follow proper procedures.

An EFF member, Mandla Shangase, claimed the by-election was not free and fair. Speaking to Makhiwa TV, he said, “We are not happy with the results. What we have observed here today is that the IEC and SAPS are not following the procedures of voting. We found that there are about 1,800 new voters in this voting district, which raises concerns.”

Allegations of irregular voters emerge

Shangase further alleged that some individuals who participated in the vote were not residents of Ward 12.

“There are residents who claim they saw unfamiliar faces, people who they believe live in other wards but were voting here,” he said.

A representative of the MK Party, Mpilo Mhlongo, also expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, stating that the party did not accept the results, citing similar concerns with the voting process. He added that the party hoped for a different outcome in the upcoming general elections expected later this year or early next year.

IFP councillor welcomes outcome

The newly elected Ward 12 councillor, Thulani Buthelezi, welcomed the outcome and expressed hope that voters would continue to support the IFP in future elections.

Election results and other by-election outcome

According to the results, the IFP received 1,628 votes, followed by the ANC with 536 votes and the MK Party with 332 votes.

In a separate by-election held in Nongoma Ward 20, the IFP also secured victory, receiving 981 votes.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.