President Cyril Ramaphosa says he does not have concerns of interference in the upcoming elections as the Electoral Commission (IEC) is fully equipped and prepared.
South Africa is heading to the polls on 29 May. The 2024 General Elections are believed to be the most contested in the history of this country.
PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA WEIGHS IN ON UPCOMING ELECTIONS
Speaking at a May Day event at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said the Commission is fully prepared to run the elections as it has successfully done so in the past.
Ramaphosa said almost everything has been done to ensure that the IEC systems work well.
“Our entire security system is well-geared to deal with whatever can happen. However, we don’t expect anything else to happen. We are going to run a normal election as we have done,” he said.
Ramaphosa said that compared to the first democratic elections in 1994, which were difficult as there were no registered voters, the 29 May elections will be a walk in the park.
“We’re going to have a good election, no interference, no disruption, and nothing that will produce an outcome that will even be doubted,” Ramaphosa reiterated.
CONCERNS AFTER IEC MEETS WITH US AMBASSADOR
Ramaphosa’s assurance comes as an image of IEC officials with diplomats including USA’s Rueben Brigety sparked concerns.
The image was shared on X and a number of South Africans questioned the US’s involvement in the polls.
Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (Dirco) Clayson Monyela said it is normal for the IEC to meet with diplomats.
“They have already engaged EU diplomats & will meet the Dean of African Diplomats. DIRCO is convening a meeting of the Diplomatic Corps for a briefing by the IEC on the state of readiness for 29 May elections. Throw the conspiracy theories away,” Monyela said.
GOVERNMENT ISSUES STERN WARNING FOR DISRUPTORS
Meanwhile, government has warned anyone with intentions to disrupt the elections that law enforcement officers will deal with them decisively and put them behind bars.
During a briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster, Defence Minister Thandi Modise said no one has a right to intimidate and prevent others from exercising their Constitutional right to vote for a party of their choice.
“We want to assure the public of the JCPS Cluster’s readiness to protect the public, our country’s strategic installations, and infrastructure during the election period. We will do everything in our power to protect all who want to exercise their Constitutional right to vote,” she said.
