ANC agents turned away over party regalia

The shadow of a man falls next to African National Congress (ANC) posters on a wall on the voting day in Du Noon township near Cape Town. REUTERS/Mark Wessels

The shadow of a man falls next to African National Congress (ANC) posters on a wall on the voting day in Du Noon township near Cape Town. REUTERS/Mark Wessels

Published May 7, 2014

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Sterkspruit, Eastern Cape - The ANC has lodged an official complaint after its agents were turned away on Wednesday at polling stations in Sterkspruit in the Eastern Cape.

Provincial ANC elections coordinator Mlibo Qoboshiyane said he had lodged a formal complaint to the IEC provincial operations centre in East London.

The party agents were turned away from Gugwini, Silindile and Moyeni high schools in the area for wearing ANC Tshirts,

A number of agents were also turned away in the Emundini municipality area.

“These reports are disturbing considering that the electoral laws don't prohibit people from wearing party colours when voting,” Qoboshiyane said in a statement.

“We have brought the matter to the attention of the IEC at the provincial operations centre. We will keep monitoring this situation.

ANC members are free to wear their ANC clothing when they go to vote. However, they are not allowed to campaign inside the voting stations.

“Electoral laws allow political activities to be conducted 500 metres away from the voting stations in a way that doesn't interfere with other voters.

“It is important that as we observe electoral laws, Presiding Officers also play their part and not frustrate our people from expressing their political choice by wearing ANC T-shirts. Electoral laws are clear here and they must not be confused.”

Sapa

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