Pretoria – The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has dismissed claims that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will not behave fairly during the upcoming Local Government Elections.
On Saturday, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) accused the IEC of rigging past elections.
The department said it was disappointed that some were questioning the IEC’s integrity because the electoral body was responsible for upholding and advancing democracy, and its integrity was crucial to that.
This malicious attack on the IEC, the department said, was also a brutal attack on the Constitution.
“This blatant attack on the IEC brings into focus the real commitment of others to our Constitution which is an important framework that contains our aspiration for a non-sexist, non-racial, democratic and prosperous South Africa,” the Ministry said on Monday.
The department has called on all South Africans to join hands in translating the rights and responsibilities enshrined in the Constitution into reality and also support the work of the IEC.
“Together, let us continue to embrace and promote constitutional rights, values and use them to move our country forward.
“The integrity of the IEC is a key element of its credibility, anchored in transparency and trustworthiness.
“This credibility of the IEC implies its commitment to ensuring a South Africa that holds free and fair elections and not in any way being biased towards or against anyone or group, but being driven by the interest of the people as enshrined in the constitution.”
The department said it was pleased with the IEC’s preparations for the 3rd August 2016 Local Government Elections.
“We are pleased with the work of the IEC thus far as it continues to uphold its spotless reputation as a credible arbiter of elections in South Africa,” adding that the elections, will be free and fair.
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