IEC assures results ‘uncompromised’, but says objections will be dealt with
The commission has been under sharp scrutiny amid concerns that its processes have been compromised.
IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya briefs the media at Results Operations Centre in Midrand on 30 May 2024, on progress made in vote counting across country. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG – The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it doesn’t take lightly claims of vote rigging and irregularities as some political parties file last minute objections.
The commission has been under sharp scrutiny amid concerns that its processes have been compromised.
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The IEC held a media briefing to address the matter a short while ago at the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand.
Earlier on Saturday, the IEC met with the Party Liaison Committee to address some of the concerns that had emerged in the past few hours.
This included claims that a blackout on the leaderboard on Friday may have resulted in votes being docked from the system, affecting the tally of votes.
Some parties also claimed there were discrepancies on the results slips.
But IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said there were checks and balances to avoid its system being abused.
“And the commission is pleased to indicate that the results systems have remained functional and uncompromised throughout the current results compilation process.”
While he has reassured parties and voters that these results were credible, he said all objections would be dealt with.
The IEC has given itself a new deadline of 6PM to objections.
RECOUNT NOT OFF THE TABLE
Moepya said the commission would finalise last-minute objections before results were declared on Sunday.
“The attitude of the commission is not to put form over substance. We are not going to be technical; we are going to look at the matter before us, and we’re going to consider them in the process of ensuring the integrity of the results.”
Moepya did not dismiss the possibility of a recount.
“Where the commission finds materiality through the results process, it will order an appropriate remedy, which in some instances may include specific recounts.”