DA's call for western elections observers tantamount to offering SA's sovereignity on silver platter: ANC

JOHANNESURG - The African National Congress (ANC) says the notion that an African country’s election can only be considered credible when observed by Europeans and Americans is a clear example of paternalistic imperialism.

This as it slams the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s letter to the United States requesting assistance in obtaining a parallel independent vote tabulation process.

The DA is also asking for assistance with domestic observers - which includes capacitating civil organisations.

While it’s put forward these requests - the DA also insists it has full faith in the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa’s ability to deliver a free and fair election.

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Without attaching a shred of evidence, the DA in a letter calls on the global community to not only throw resources towards observing the upcoming elections but to consider setting up parallel voting tabular processes.

This in all likelihood would be responsible for independent verification.

DA spokesperson on international relations Emma Powell also raised concerns over the uMkhonto weSizwe Party - which has former president Jacob Zuma as its number one candidate

“MK is an organisation led by a convicted criminal, who in terms of the law should be in prison.”

The ANC is seeing red over the move - accusing the DA of offering this country’s sovereignty on a silver platter

Its national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri: “This plea is a clear attempt to bring about regime change disguised in opportunistic language.”

Several political parties and experts have called on the IEC to take a firm stand against the DA.