The Chief Electoral Officer of the Electoral Commission (IEC), Sy Mamabolo, has confirmed that two individuals have been arrested by the South African Police Service in connection with allegations of tampering with election materials and processes. This announcement comes as the IEC reports a successful special voting period, with at least 937,000 voters processed over two days, exceeding the numbers seen in the 2019 general elections.
Mamabolo expressed optimism about the high turnout expected on voting day during a briefing at the National Results Centre in Midrand. He also addressed the impact of a taxi strike in Umtata, which affected 107 voting stations on the first day of special voting.
However, all affected stations were eventually opened, and voting continued uninterrupted.
Incidents of Obstruction and Arrests
Mamabolo raised concerns about two incidents in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal, where the work of IEC officials was obstructed, resulting in two arrests. He welcomed the interventions made by law enforcement agencies stating that, “Two arrests have been effected, and at least two cases are being investigated by the SAPS for interference with electoral materials as well as electoral processes.”
Ensuring Free, Fair, and Secure Elections
Mamabolo emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure the elections are free, fair, and secure, and that the outcome reflects the will of the South African electorate. He highlighted two specific incidents that led to the arrests, including a political party’s representatives following an IEC presiding officer and handling a used ballot box, which is against regulations. In another incident, party followers visited a presiding officer’s home, demanding accountability for election materials already delivered to a voting station.
These incidents underscore the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that only authorized IEC officials handle sensitive election materials.
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