President Cyril Ramaphosa Addresses the Nation Ahead of 2024 Elections
By Mpho Moloi – President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed grave concerns regarding recent reports of election activity obstruction and unlawful entry at Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) storage sites in KwaZulu-Natal . “We should all be concerned at reports that came out today about the obstruction of election activities, including unlawful entry at IEC storage sites in KwaZulu-Natal,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa addressed South Africa ahead of the 2024 national and provincial elections on Sunday, 26 May 2024.
Call for Electoral Integrity
The President called for unity and adherence to the democratic process, urging all South Africans to avoid actions that could interfere with the elections. “We once again call upon all parties, candidates, supporters and every South African to refrain from any action that could interfere with the due electoral process,” he stated. Ramaphosa emphasised that the upcoming elections should serve to further entrench democracy and strengthen the national commitment to uphold it.
Country’s Readiness for Elections
The President provided an overview of South Africa’s readiness for the forthcoming elections:
- Special voting commences tomorrow.
- South Africans living abroad have already cast their votes.
- The main voting day is set for Wednesday, 29 May.
“This will be the seventh national and provincial election since the end of apartheid,” the President noted, highlighting the nation’s enduring commitment to democratic principles as stated in the Freedom Charter.
Upholding Electoral Integrity
Ramaphosa lauded the IEC for its robust preparations and reiterated the significance of oversight by party agents and independent observers to ensure free and fair elections. “The involvement of party agents gives people confidence that there is effective oversight of all aspects of the electoral process,” he asserted.
The President also commended law enforcement agencies for their extensive preparations to maintain peace and security during the elections. “They have been deployed throughout the country to ensure that there are no disturbances or disruptions to the election process,” he said, thanking them for their professionalism and dedication.
Addressing Vote Rigging Allegations
Recently, the IEC faced allegations of vote rigging in KwaZulu-Natal, causing widespread concern on social media. Responding to these claims, the IEC clarified the situation, asserting that the videos circulating depicted legitimate logistical preparations for the election.
“We wish to clarify that the videos depict our planned logistical arrangements and storage of election materials as we prepare for the first day of special voting on 27 May 2024,” the IEC stated. The IEC assured the public that all measures, including police escort and 24-hour security at storage sites, were in place to safeguard election materials from tampering or unauthorised entry.
Condemnation of Threats Against IEC Officials
The IEC also condemned the recent intimidation of its officials, including incidents where an IEC official’s private home was disturbed in connection to election materials stored at a polling station. “No party nor its representatives have authority to gain access to private homes of electoral staff. Worse still, no party nor its representatives may take control of election material without being authorised,” the IEC firmly stated.
The commission reaffirmed that additional security measures would be implemented to protect storage sites and ensure the integrity of the election process.
MK Party’s Allegations and Demands
The MK Party has levelled serious allegations against the IEC, claiming malpractices favouring the ANC and calling for urgent clarification. “The MK Party calls upon the IEC to convene an urgent press conference to address these allegations and clarify the security measures in place for electoral materials,” said MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo
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