Violence threatens free and fair elections – Buthelezi
Acts of violence resulting in political killings because of unhappiness among political members over party candidate nominations, have spoiled what could have been a peaceful election.
IFP President iNkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi says hopes of free and fair local government elections are gradually diminishing.
Speaking at an election campaign rally in Ngwelezane last week, Buthelezi said acts of violence resulting in political killings because of unhappiness among political members over party candidate nominations, have spoiled what could have been a peaceful election.
‘People have died, especially from the ANC. We have seen people expressing their frustrations by looting and burning public property, including institutions of learning.
This does not bode well for free and fair elections.
‘Some years ago here in Empangeni our former Member of Parliament, Jeanette Vilakazi, unearthed a major voting scandal in which about a million of our votes were given to another party, and the IEC had to correct that.
‘We have expressed our unhappiness about the use of SADTU officials during elections, because they are affiliated to Cosatu, and Cosatu is an affiliate of the ANC. We even mobilised other opposition parties to support us in this regard, but our plea fell on deaf ears.’
NFP challenges
Buthelezi also sympathized with the National Freedom Party (NFP for being disqualified to contest the 3 August municipal elections, saying he understood the pain that party was going through.
‘What happened to the NFP, happened to us as well in 2011. We were disqualified to contest the by elections in Mzumbe after failing to pay the IEC deposit in time.
‘The sad part is that they are now throwing all sort of accusations at us, alleging our member Dr Cedric Xulu bribed their officials with about R6-million to drag their feet in meeting the IEC deadline.
‘As if that was not enough they went on to remove our election posters in Ulundi, including blocking the access road to Ulundi. They continued to hurl insults at me personally, using words that I can not repeat here.
‘All that tells you is that the road to the 3 August elections has been very bumpy,’ said Buthelezi, who encouraged people to vote wisely.
Asked about the allegation, Xulu, who was accompanying Buthelezi on a door-to-door visit, denied having bribed any NFP officials.
‘Since this allegations surfaced my life has been under the microscope. I have received death threats. I don’t even know Xolani Ndlovu (NFP Treasurer), and I don’t have that kind of money available anyway. They (NFP) need to get their house in order, and stop barking up the wrong tree,’ said Xulu.
Buthelezi visited the homes of potential voters in Ngwelezane, Nqutshini, Madlankala and eSikhaleni before addressing a big rally in Nseleni.
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