Johannesburg - National Freedom Party (NFP) leaders will convene a special national working committee meeting on Sunday to decide on the way forward following the Electoral Court dismissing its application to contest next week’s local elections.
It is the second time the party has lost a court bid to overturn the IEC’s decision to disqualify it from participating in the polls because it failed to register and pay registration fees on time.
The NFP has claimed it was sabotaged within its ranks and that it why the registration did not happen on time.
“As the party, we are extremely disappointed that the EC ruled against us as we were positive that the new evidence presented before the five judges was strong enough. However, as the law abiding citizens of this country, we accept the ruling unconditionally,” said NFP acting chairperson Bheki Gumbi on Saturday.
“Now that this chapter has come to an end, we have to move forward and it is on this background that we are convening a special NWC meeting to deliberate on the judgment and a way forward. We cannot dwell on what has happened and we will therefore discuss our options going forward.”
Gumbi said the ruling would not result in the demise of the NFP.
“This is not the end. And we want to assure our loyal members and supporters, as well as our president that as the current leadership, we will come out with decisions that are best for the NFP going forward.
Group Labour Editor