DURBAN - The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) and several smaller parties are disputing aspects of the eThekwini municipal election results.
They allege there were irregularities in the IEC’s vote-counting and verification processes, which they believe may have cost them votes.
Sumaya Pillay from the eThekwini Ratepayers Political Movement says party representatives were not given a clear view of the counting process at some voting stations.
She alleges that ballot papers were not individually displayed to party representatives before being sorted into party piles.
Pillay also claims the counting tables were positioned too far from party representatives, making it difficult for them to see how ballots had been marked.
She says several smaller parties, including the MK Party, lodged objections under Section 65 of the Electoral Act, raising concerns about the counting process.
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Pillay says they have yet to receive feedback from the IEC.
The parties want the commission to investigate the alleged failures and hold those responsible accountable.
Pillay says even a small number of votes could make a significant difference to smaller parties competing for seats in council.
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She says the alleged irregularities have also affected their confidence in the IEC.
Pillay claims more than 400 objections have been lodged and is calling on the commission to take them seriously.
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