Cape Town - The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has lodged several complaints with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) against the DA for alleged contravention of the Municipal Electoral Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct.
The complaints were lodged a day before the crucial City of Cape Town by-election in Ward 5 on Wednesday.
The DA won the by-election by 5 271 votes, while the ACDP received 426 votes.
The first complaint related to a DA candidate who allegedly campaigned during special voting home visits.
The candidate, according to the ACDP, did not identify her credentials when she arrived at a retirement village during the special votes.
“She actively engaged with voters waiting to vote, and the voters reacted to her full knowing her as the candidate.
In doing so she exceeded the limited role of a party agent and was actively campaigning as the candidate during this time,” read the complaint.
The second complaint related to the alleged non-compliance with the City policy as it related to posters of political parties during elections.
ACDP’s national elections manager, Grant Haskin, said: “In over 20 years of election campaigns, I can’t even count how many times I’ve had to lodge objections to the IEC about the DA’s behaviour that is contrary to the act.
They have a history of not respecting the rules.”
DA spokesperson Melt Botes said: “The DA contested fairly and received an overwhelming mandate of more than 92%. When a party loses an election, it’s natural to seek reasons for that loss outside of oneself. In this case the voters clearly indicated their preference.” IEC provincial officer Michael Hendrickse said the complaints were under investigation.
“The matters are under investigation and contact has already been made with the ACDP – until these investigations are concluded, we will not be providing any information on the merits of the matters,” he said.
Cape Times