CAPE TOWN - Political parties that complained of missing votes in 14 voting districts across the City during the municipal elections have cautiously welcomed the Independent Election Commission’s (IEC) probe outcome which authorised a recount.
The Cape Independence Party (CIP) lodged an objection in which they sought a recount in 24 voting districts (VDs) in the Cape Metro and the Democratic Alliance (DA) for two VDs.
Following an investigation, the Commission authorised a recount in 12 of the 24 voting districts identified by the CIP. The Commission maintained that there were sufficient particulars provided to support the need for an investigation.
Western Cape electoral officer Michael Hendrickse said the recount for both ward and proportional representative ballots was conducted on Thursday in the presence of representatives of political parties.
There is a possibility that the recount may affect seat allocation in the City.
“The basis of the Cape Independence Party objection is the alleged widespread confusion in correlating the abbreviated name of the Cape Independence Party namely “CAPEXIT” as appeared on the ballot papers in the Metro, with the name “Cape Independence Party” as was reflected on the Result Slips.
“The allegation asserts that a number of votes cast in favour of Cape Independence Party were not allocated to the Cape Independence Party, a consequence of confusion that could possibly have emerged during the counting process,” said Hendrickse.
Cape Independence Party leader, Jack Miller said according to their numbers, they should have received at least two seats.
“We had a huge amount of support in some voting stations and people even informed us that they voted, but for some reason the official IEC report says we got zero votes in those VD’s. In an exhaustive investigation there were 36 VD’s where party agent and voter reports conflicted with IEC zero vote allocations,” said Miller.
He said while they welcomed the recount, the party would approach the Electoral Court as this was only approved for 12 districts.
A DA complaint about two VD’s was lodged by councillor Matthew Kempthorne.
Hendrickse said Kempthorne’s complaint relates to an alleged erroneous transposition of votes on the results slips.
DA regional head in the province Jaco Londt said: “There were many voters who were denied the opportunity to vote due to the IEC not being able to register them correctly, assisting in special votes or processing long queues more effectively on Election Day. It is therefore important that those people who did take the time and effort to vote, that their votes are accurately counted and reflected in the final tally.”
The EFF said they also lodged objections.
’’One of our candidates in Ward 18 has lodged an objection to the results with IEC and awaiting the outcome from IEC. We can also confirm that the candidate has opened a criminal case against Presiding Officers and Results Slip Capturers to assist IEC and police get rid of the rotten apples in its ranks. Such conduct can plunge the country into civil war as a result of misconduct of a few bad elements in the IEC,’’ the party said.
Good Party's Brett Herron said they did not lodge objections related to the 12 VDs.
“We were notified of the recounts and had party agents present to observe.”
Cape Times