As DA prepares to again govern WC, IEC encourages disgruntled parties to approach commission

Source: EWN Traffic
Author: Lindsay Dentlinger

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Electoral Commission (IEC) head Michael Hendrickse has encouraged disgruntled political parties to challenge the provincial vote count if they are unhappy with the outcome of Saturday's vote tally.

Over the last three days, there have been some heated discussions on the floor of the results centre at Century City as parties cried foul over the alleged incorrect capture of votes from results slips signed off at polling stations.

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While it is unclear exactly how many objections have been lodged with the IEC's national office, Hendrickse said it could impact the final declaration of the election results - set for Sunday evening.

"I think that's the right way to go. If you are not happy with the result, challenge the result in the lawful means...and the procedures are there for political parties and candidates."

The IEC extended the 48-hour post-poll deadline to 6 pm on Saturday night for objections to be lodged.

"Someone still has an opportunity on a specific case to make a request for condonation. Whether it is granted, that is something depending on the specifics on the reasons for why you were late."

However, the Democratic Alliance (DA)'s outright majority win makes it unlikely that additional votes from other parties would impact the outcome.