Electoral Court dismisses applications of five political parties

JOHANNESBURG - The Electoral Court has dismissed the applications of five political parties to be added to the ballot.

These were the last five matters left on the Electoral Court roll.

This has now cleared the way for the Electoral Commission to begin printing the ballot paper for the upcoming general elections.

Isanco, which is part of the Democratic Alliance-led multiparty charter for South Africa, will not be on the ballot paper on the 29th of May.

Joining Isanco is the Cape Independence Party and Defenders of the People.

Meanwhile, Operation Dudula and Arise SA failed to get onto the national ballot, however they will be on the provincial ballots.

All five parties argued that they missed their submission deadline due to the IEC’s faulty systems however the electoral court has rejected their arguments.

In a statement, the IEC says it will be forging ahead with printing of the ballots, with a confirmed 52 parties contesting the national elections.

On Monday, the Durban High Court is expected to make a ruling on the logo and trademark of Umkhonto Wesizwe which could potentially lead to the MK Party having to change its name and emblem.