Bloemfontein – “I really don’t know how elections can ever be rigged. Here processes will unfold openly and transparently, with political party agents observing and under the watchful eye of media institutions.
“This will ensure that all over the province elections will take place according to the rules.”
These were the words of Reverend Bongani Finca, IEC Commissioner in charge of the Free State, at the launch of the IEC’s Results Operation Centre (ROC) in the province.
This will be the second time the provincial ROC will be located in the historic city hall in Bloemfontein’s central business district.
This after the facilities at the IEC’s provincial head office became too small, and a need was identified to have a central and easily accessible venue.
“Whatever wrong is happening in a remote corner of the province, will immediately be communicated here and taken up with the Provincial Electoral Officer,” Finca said. “There will be no place where we will not be in touch with what is happening.”
He mentioned that the IEC had already started preparing for these elections at the culmination of the 2014 national and provincial elections. He also commended all role players for ensuring that the preparation period ran smoothly in the province.
“I am sure provinces like KZN look at the Free State with envy. There lives are lost every time we have elections. In the Free State we’ve never had these problems.”
He congratulated political parties and independent candidates in the province for “mastering the concept that the election process is a contest of ideas, not strength.”
Finca said the 2016 municipal elections were breaking records on many levels, having the highest number of registered voters, the highest number of candidates and the highest number of requests for special votes ever recorded in the country.
“The contest is fierce, and no-one is assured of winning. All parties have had to work hard to ensure votes. We ask that you now give voters space so that they can choose freely who to lead them.”
African News Agency