LETTER: Election postponement: I don’t agree
That said, I don't agree with the move that the local government elections be postponed. I'm glad opposition parties and trade unions are challenging this matter in court.
• Thabile Mange writes:
Recently, the former deputy chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke delivered the much-awaited report about the feasibility of the country holding local government elections amid the Covid-19 challenge.
Moseneke said the environment is not conducive for the country to hold the municipal elections in October this year. He recommended that they be postponed. But he also emphasised that they should be held within 90 days.
After Moseneke delivered his report, the IEC deliberated on it. A few days later, the electoral body reported that it has accepted the former deputy chief Justice’s recommendation. So, it is taking the matter to court to apply for the postponement of elections.
The recommendation of Moseneke regarding the feasibility of holding elections is not binding on the IEC. In other words, the electoral body is not forced to implement it. However, for whatever reason, it has decided to go with it. No problem there.
It is interesting to note that, before Moseneke made his report public, the IEC’s stance was that elections should go on as planned. That is in October this year. And it was firm and unequivocal on its stance. What made it change its mind? I wonder.
That said, I don’t agree with the move that the local government elections be postponed. I’m glad opposition parties and trade unions are challenging this matter in court.
I hope and pray that the court will rule in their favour.
