Durban Businessman
By Mpho Moloi
A Durban businessman, Farhad Hoomer, has confirmed that he will appeal the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) decision to reject his application to register a new political party named the Islamic State of Africa, which he says would advocate for the implementation of Sharia Law in South Africa.
Hoomer, who last month announced his plans to launch the party, told reporters that he was “disappointed” by the outcome but remained determined to proceed with the legal route. “We have done everything to the book according to what the IEC requested of us. All the signatures were obtained legally and lawfully, informing the public about the new party, calling for Sharia law, freeing all of mankind from injustice and slavery. We’ve already started preparing the appeal, and we believe that our explanation for the reasons will make everything clear,” Hoomer said.
IEC cites objections and incomplete details
The IEC confirmed that it rejected the registration on three main grounds. Officials stated that more than 200 formal objections were received from members of the public, many of which questioned the proposed party’s name and objectives. In addition, the IEC said Hoomer’s application lacked sufficient information on the number of verified voters who had expressed their support for the party’s formation, a requirement under South Africa’s electoral laws.
The commission also highlighted that certain sections of the submitted documents did not meet compliance standards. According to IEC rules, new political parties must demonstrate a clear and lawful mandate supported by a minimum number of registered voters before approval is considered.
Hoomer’s history and public reaction
Hoomer is no stranger to controversy. He previously faced terrorism-related charges linked to alleged extremist activities, but those charges were later withdrawn. His announcement last month that he wanted to establish a party named the Islamic State of Africa immediately drew public scrutiny and raised concerns about whether the party’s aims aligned with South Africa’s constitutional values.
Political analysts say that any organisation seeking official registration must show it upholds the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, which guarantees freedom of religion while ensuring that no law or party undermines democratic principles or human rights.
Plans to appeal and next steps
Hoomer has indicated that his legal team is already drafting the appeal and will submit it within the prescribed timeframe. He insists that the IEC misunderstood parts of his application and that the objections received should not outweigh the support he claims to have gathered.
He added that his movement seeks to “free all of mankind from injustice and slavery” and that its call for Sharia Law is meant to be implemented through democratic processes, not through violence or coercion.
Expert views on the case
Constitutional law experts note that the IEC’s decision is not final and that any applicant has the right to approach the Electoral Court if they believe the commission acted unfairly or failed to follow due process. However, they caution that parties advocating for legal systems outside the current constitutional framework may face significant hurdles.
“South Africa’s Constitution is clear: any party must commit to a democratic order. If the party’s policies or branding appear to conflict with constitutional values, objections will naturally follow,” one legal expert explained.
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