In a recent turn of events, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has taken a bold step by filing a criminal complaint against the African National Congress (ANC) for what they claim to be a violation of electoral laws. The incident in question occurred on Tuesday, where members of the ANC were allegedly caught in the act of destroying and replacing election posters belonging to the DA along the John Ross Highway.
During an interview at North Coast Radio, Mr. Christo Botha, Deputy Constituency Chairperson of the DA, along with Mr. Mtshali, the party’s Chairperson for the King Cetshwayo district, shed light on the matter. They emphasized that these actions constitute a clear violation of the Electoral Commission’s code of conduct, as stipulated in the Electoral Act.
Councilors Muzi Mtshali and Sihle Magubane, who were present at the scene, reportedly witnessed individuals associated with the ANC using a ladder to remove DA posters and replace them with their own. Promptly intervening, they captured photographic evidence and contacted Mr. Botha, who proceeded to lodge a formal complaint at the Richards Bay Police Station under Section 92 of the Electoral Act.
Mr. Botha emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the matter would be pursued in a criminal court rather than the electoral court due to the nature of the offense. He expressed deep concern over the ANC’s behavior, labeling it as unacceptable and posing a significant threat to the democratic system.
Furthermore, Mr. Botha raised pertinent questions about the ANC’s integrity, questioning what other actions they might be capable of if they are willing to resort to such tactics. He called upon all political parties to respect the democratic electoral process and ensure fair competition.
In response, the DA reiterated its unwavering commitment to the democratic electoral process and pledged to address the pressing issues facing communities, such as load shedding and unemployment. They emphasized their grassroots approach to campaigning, engaging directly with citizens through door-to-door initiatives.
As the matter unfolds, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to the DA’s criminal complaint and what implications it may have for the upcoming elections.
You can catch the whole interview here:
Stay tuned for further developments.
