You got this - US confident IEC will ensure free and fair election

Thanks, but no thanks.

That seems to be the response by the United States (US) to a controversial request by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to monitor the upcoming general elections.

The party wrote to several countries including the US, to request their assistance on May 29  to ensure the integrity of the polls.

But through David S. Feldmann, mission spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, the US seems to be suggesting it's not concerned.

Feldman told the SABC, “South Africa is a sovereign democracy that runs its own electoral processes. The Independent Electoral Commission has a longstanding and excellent reputation for conducting free and fair elections.”

The DA had also previously requested members of the G7 countries to oversee the polls as election observers.

The ANC responded saying it too could invite its 'friends', namely Russia, to observe.

Terry Tselane is the former IEC Vice Chairperson and explains more about the role of international observers.

"They make a commitment that they will not side with any political party or candidate in the election."

- Terry Tselane, Former IEC Vice Chairperson/Executive Chairman - Institute of Election Management Services in Africa

"Over the years, because there have never really been any incidents, the number of international observers has declined."

- Terry Tselane, Former IEC Vice Chairperson/Executive Chairman - Institute of Election Management Services in Africa

Tselane says given the significance of the forthcoming elections, there is likely to be a number of applications for international observance of the polls.

"The European Union, the African Union, SADC, other electoral commissions, such as the ECF, and also sometimes the UN would sent it's own observers."

- Terry Tselane, Former IEC Vice Chairperson/Executive Chairman - Institute of Election Management Services in Africa

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.