South Africa Elections: Opposition parties could call into question fairness of elections

The 2014 elections are expected to run smoothly, with very little doubt that they will be free and fair. It has never before happened that the credibility of the elections has been challenged despite minor glitches in the past. The 2014 elections are to be the most highly contested, with an intense level of competition that could lead to some parties questioning their outcome. One major issue that could give credence to scepticism about the elections are the concerns over the Independent Election Commissions (IEC) Integrity.

The integrity of the IEC

Recent developments have seen the integrity of the IEC being called into question as a result of allegations against its Chairperson Pantsy Tlakula. Ms Tlakula was found to have flouted procurement procedure by not disclosing a conflict of interest between herself and a business partner. The conflict of interest arose from the award of a R320 million building lease contract to a company in which Tlakula’s business partner had a 20% interest. Tlakula was slammed by the public Protector Thuli Madonsela for being directly involved in the procurement process which was meant to be handled by a specific department at the IEC. The Public Protectors report was further supported by a report from the National Treasury.

Tlakula’s integrity and impartiality has been called into question by opposition parties who took the commissioner to court, hoping to have her dismissed before the elections. With the Electoral Court in Johannesburg postponing the case, the elections will occur with this cloud hanging over it. The five parties which took the IEC chair to court include the United Democratic Movement (#UDM), the African Christian Democratic Party (#ACDP), the Congress of the People (#COPE), #Agang SA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters took Tlakula to the Electoral Court. Their performance in the coming elections may give them reason to question the elections results. Whilst there is no technical connection between Tlakula’s dealings and the operational integrity of the elections, perception can have a major effect on how the public views the #IEC.

The EFF is one party which may take a radical stance on the election outcomes. The party has not been shy to use highly charged political rhetoric harkening to revolutionary movements. The party’s leader Julius Malema has often espoused militaristic rhetoric in his comments about change in South Africa. Labelled as the Commander in Chief of Economic Freedom, #Malema is sure to highlight Tlakula’s missteps and call into question the IEC’s credibility. Julius Malema has a lot to lose should his party perform badly in the elections. He is currently facing a number of investigations over tender fraud, as well as tax evasion. With the EFF also struggled with finding finances, a failure to get a substantial number of seats in the coming elections could make them desperate. The EFF may go on to challenge the fairness of the IEC in conducting the elections, with Pantsy Tlakula’s reliability already compromised by the Public Protectors and National Treasury reports. 

Originally published on africapractice's blog here: http://www.africapractice.com/blogposts/page/24/?id=6159

#politics #elections #southafrica #africa