Podcasts about electoral court

The MK Party says its case against the IEC to set aside the results of the general elections in May due to alleged vote rigging, is ready. This after the party was granted leave by the Electoral Court to withdraw it's application at the end of October, while making a cost order against the party. MK Party secretary general, Floyd Shivambu briefing the media in Durban, says the party is ready to prove electoral fraud. Nonjabulo Mntungwa-Makamu...

*) US threatens to withdraw from Lebanon ceasefire mediation US envoy Amos Hochstein threatened to withdraw from mediation efforts aimed at brokering a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon if Tel Aviv does not accept a US proposal. According to Israel's Channel 13, Hochstein informed Israel's ambassador to the US, Michael Herzog, that if Tel Aviv fails to respond positively to the US ceasefire proposal with Lebanon, the US will pull out of the mediation process it is leading between the two sides. *) Uruguay elects Yamandu Orsi as its president Left-wing candidate Yamandu Orsi was elected president of Uruguay, official results showed, as he prevailed over centre-right rival Alvaro Delgado in a tightly-contested election. With 94.4 percent of ballots counted, Orsi won 1,123,420 votes compared to Delgado's 1,042,001, the country's Electoral Court said. Delgado has conceded defeat in the closely-fought poll that saw voters turn away from five years of conservative rule. *) Seoul's possible arms supply to Kiev will 'destroy' bilateral ties — Russia Russia has warned South Korea that supplying weapons to Ukraine would “destroy” relations between Moscow and Seoul. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said using South Korean arms against Russian citizens would have dire consequences, state media reported. Rudenko criticised linking South Korean arms supplies to Ukraine with alleged cooperation between Russia and North Korea, accusing South Korea of exaggerating reports about North Korean troops in Russia. *) Several dead as bus rolls into ravine in Brazil Twenty-three people died when a bus on a remote mountain road in Brazil's Alagoas state dived into a ravine. Rescue services confirmed that 16 died at the scene and another person -- a pregnant woman -- succumbed after being taken to hospital Sunday, the Alagoas state government said in a statement. Brazilian media said "dozens" of people were injured, and that the bus had been carrying 40 passengers. *) Traditional clay pottery sees resurgence in war-ravaged Gaza Clay pottery is back in Gaza, helping residents cope with a severe shortage of crockery amid the ongoing Israeli war on the tiny enclave. Potter Jafar Atallah says demand for plates has skyrocketed as supply routes are cut off due to tight Israeli siege. Many of Gaza's 2.4 million displaced residents have lost or abandoned basic household items while fleeing Israeli air strikes. With imports limited, locals are turning to resourceful methods like pottery to meet their daily needs.

Former EFF MP, Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, and former KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu have officially joined the ranks of the uMkhonto WeSizwe Party. Advocate Mkhwebane is set to lead the party in Mpumalanga, while Mchunu, an ANC veteran, will take charge in KwaZulu-Natal. This announcement came during the party's media briefing. Meanwhile, the MK party has filed a second case alleging election fraud following a recent legal setback. The Electoral Court had ordered the party to cover the costs of the IEC, the Chief Electoral Officer, and the DA after withdrawing its initial challenge to the election results, in which it sought to overturn the outcome. For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Political Analyst Sandile Swana

The Democratic Alliance says President Cyril Ramaphosa 'unintentionally' violated the Electoral Code of Conduct when he addressed the country as Head of State shortly before the May 29th Provincial and National Elections. The matter is currently being heard by Electoral Court despite the DA's contention that it tried to reach an out of court settlement with the presidency. Legal counsel for the DA, Advocate Anthony Stein says the address by Ramaphosa was an abuse of a state institution for party political purposes. Here is a snippet of how this point was deliberated on in court...

Benedict Phiri is the MD at IusPrudentia Special Counsel and joins Africa to speak on the Electoral Court that will be hearing the MK Party's election woes after all. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benedict Phiri | Managing Director at IusPrudentia Special Counsel  For the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to clear any doubts concerning the May 29 election results, it should continue to fight to have the MK Party's (MKP) vote-rigging case heard by the Electoral Court despite the party withdrawing from the legal rodeo. This was the sentiment of Unisa political analyst Prof Dirk Kotze after MKP leader Jacob Zuma recently claimed it had evidence “as huge as an elephant” to back its allegation that millions of votes were fraudulently handled.   “One of the things that makes us say we are withdrawing the case is because the evidence we have received is as huge as an elephant. The lawyers need more time to write everything down,” Zuma told party supporters on Sunday.   In the past Zuma has been known to make claims he fails to support. Last week the party issued a notice of withdrawal to the court in its application against the IEC. Kotze told TimesLIVE the vote-rigging case was vital to clear any doubts about the election results. “The bottom line is if they [MKP] have evidence, they must produce it. They withdrew the case. This means they do not have sufficient evidence to convince the court to order a rerun of the elections,” he said.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lester Kiewit speaks to Michael Atkins, an independent elections analyst, about the merits to the MK Party's approach to the Electoral Court to have the May 29 election results set aside, and have the elections rerun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As GNU talks continue, SAHRC appeals for a human rights-centred focus.Other organisations, such as the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, call for parties to focus on the interests of South Africans before their own.ATM files papers with the Electoral Court, calling for the court's due consideration of misconduct allegations against the Chairperson of the IEC.Tshidi Madia sat down with outgoing Public Enterprise Minister Pravin Gordhan for a candid interview on his life and times as a political activist and serving in government. He reflects on the lessons that can be learned from the 1994 Interim Constitution and the formation of CODESA. He speaks about the ‘State Capture' years and their work in recapting and reforming the state.Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla held a media briefing to update the public on the outbreak of Mpox disease and outline plans by the department in collaboration with various stakeholders in the sector to curb further spread and prevent mortality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electoral Court has dismissed the urgent application launched by Umkhonto Wesizwe party founder, Jabulani Khumalo to be reinstated as leader of the party. Khumalo last week launched an urgent application before the specialist court. Khumalo was expelled from the party and removed as its leader earlier this year. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC News reporter, Zoleka Qodashe 

The Electoral Commission of South Africa, IEC is facing more legal challenges seeking to nullify the recent election results. The Hola Bon Renaissance Foundation has filed a complaint with the Electoral Court, citing the IEC's failure to address over 500 objections, which led to recounts in 24 cases. For more on this Boutshitswe Preddy Mothopeng, Chairperson of Hola Bon Renaissance Foundation spoke to Elvis Presslin

Lawyers for the founder of the MK party, Jabulani Khumalo have argued that the daughter of former President, Jacob Zuma had no authority to remove Khumalo as the leader of the party.  The parties are before the Electoral Court in Khumalo's urgent application seeking his immediate reinstatement as MK party President. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Zoleka Qodashe

The MK party has filed papers at the Electoral Court against President Cyril Ramaphosa over his recent address to the nation. The party accuses Ramaphosa of breaching the Electoral Act and Electoral Code of Conduct by using a televised address to the nation on Sunday to outline achievements of his administration. MK party Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela told our senior producer Ronald Phiri that President Ramaphosa abused his powers by addressing the nation days before an election 

The Constitutional Court has found that former President and leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, Jacob Zuma is not eligible to stand for elections as a member of parliament. This as Zuma is the first candidate on the MK party list of members to go to the National Assembly after the upcoming elections. The matter was sent to the Electoral Court which concluded that Zuma's 15-month sentence for contempt couldn't be appealed and, thus, didn't meet the criteria of a "sentence" under Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution. This section disqualifies any person who is convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment without the option of a fine from serving in Parliament. The apex court however says there is no difference between a conviction of a criminal offence and civil conviction for contempt of court. Justice Leona Theron explains...

The Constitutional Court has found that the Electoral Commission (IEC) is empowered to determine qualification for membership of the National Assembly before the May polls. The legal counsel for the MK Party and former President, Jacob Zuma, had argued that the IEC acted outside its jurisdiction when it upheld an objection against Zuma in terms of Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution, and that only the National Assembly had this power. However, the apex court found that the Electoral Act empowers the Commission to determine eligibility of candidates to stand for public office. The court overturned the order of the Electoral Court that dismissed the objection against the former President. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to legal expert, Benedict Phiri.

The Constitutional Court has found that the Electoral Commission (IEC) is empowered to determine qualification for membership of the National Assembly before the May polls. The legal counsel for the MK Party and former President, Jacob Zuma, had argued that the IEC acted outside its jurisdiction when it upheld an objection against Zuma in terms of Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution, and that only the National Assembly had this power. However, the apex court found that the Electoral Act empowers the Commission to determine eligibility of candidates to stand for public office. The court overturned the order of the Electoral Court that dismissed the objection against the former President. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Zoleka Qodashe.

The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution's executive secretary, Lawson Naidoo has welcomed the Constitutional Court ruling which found that former President and leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, Jacob Zuma is not eligible to stand for elections as a member of parliament. This as Zuma is the first candidate on the MK party list of members to go to the National Assembly after the upcoming elections. The matter was sent to the Electoral Court which concluded that Zuma's 15-month sentence for contempt couldn't be appealed and, thus, didn't meet the criteria of a "sentence" under Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution. 

The Constitutional Court has found that former President and leader of the Mkhonto weSizwe Party Jacob Zuma is not eligible to stand for elections as a member of parliament. This as Zuma is the first candidate on the MK party list of members to go to the National Assembly after the upcoming elections. The matter was sent to the Electoral Court which concluded that Zuma's 15-month sentence for contempt couldn't be appealed and, thus, didn't meet the criteria of a "sentence" under Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution. Elvis Presslin spoke to Legal Expert Melusi Xulu from Donda Attorneys before the judgement was delivered ... 

The ANC and IEC's chairperson have been accused of trying to sabotage the ATM party in the 2019 national elections. Former ANC researcher in the Western Cape legislature, advocate Winston Erasmus made the allegations in a written complaint to the Electoral Court. Erasmus has accused IEC chair Mosotho Moepya and the ANC of working in cahoots to deregister the ATM ahead of the 2019 polls. Elvis Presslin spoke to African Transformation Movement ATM Spokesperson Zama Ntshona

The Constitutional Court YESTERDAY dismissed former president Jacob Zuma's recusal application. The court did not give reasons for its dismissal, but they are expected to provide these in their written ruling on this case. Zuma had argued that six judges of the Constitutional Court that sent him to prison in the first place should not be involved in the current matter of his eligibility to participate in elections saying they can't act as both players and referees. After the dismissal the court then heard an application by the Electoral Commission of South Africa - IEC - to appeal against an Electoral Court ruling that paved the way for Zuma to run for public office. The IEC wants the apex court to appeal against the Electoral Court's ruling overturning the commission's decision to bar Zuma from running for public office due to his 15-month prison sentence in 2021.The IEC disqualified Zuma from running on the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party's ticket as a result of the sentence he received for contempt of court. The Concourt has reserved judgement in the matter.Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Mbekezeli Benjamin, Research and Advocacy Officer at Judges Matter

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has been admitted as a friend of the court in the matter between the Electoral Commission of South Africa, IEC and uMkhonto weSizwe Party. The Constitutional Court will this Friday hear the IEC's challenge on former President Jacob Zuma's eligibility to serve in Parliament. The IEC is challenging the Electoral Court's decision to allow Zuma to contest elections this month despite having a criminal conviction for contempt of court. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Neeshan Balton, Executive Director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation

Professor Koos Malan, a renowned expert in Public Law at The University ofPretoria, joins the discussion on the recent Electoral Court judgment concerningformer president Jacob Zuma's eligibility to stand as a candidate for the NationalAssembly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Ipsos poll - what do the numbers say about the upcoming elections?Senzo Meyiwa trial: This week, the state will continue with evidence from the accused's bank statements.The high-profile trial against alleged underworld kingpin Nafiz Modack and 14 co-accused continues in the Western Cape High Court tomorrow.Equal ESSA agents are threatening the head of SABC Newsourt as we return to court to ensure the placement of all out-of-school learners in the Western Cape.Health Department urges the public to get the flu vaccine in anticipation of theupcoming influenza season.SPORTS WRAP!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electoral Court published its full judgement on setting aside IEC's decision on Zuma. Lawson Naidoo, Executive Secretary at the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, speaks with Lester Kiewiet about what this means.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Party wants the Constitutional Court to find in its favour to postpone the date of the upcoming elections to July or August, citing Electoral Court delays in its case to reopen the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC's) online portal. The Labour Party's application to reopen the IEC's online portal, which the party argues was unstable during the uploading period, was dismissed on Monday. However, the Labour Party noted that two of the five Electoral Court judges agreed with the party's arguments. The Labour Party says the IEC's online portal malfunctioned before the March 8, 17h00 deadline, resulting in many new parties being unable to upload the supporting documents required by the amended Electoral Act, which now requires new parties to upload up to 62 000 names, surnames, ID numbers and signatures of registered voters in order to contest the election. The Labour Party argued that the Electoral Court "dragged the urgent application" to reopen the portal for over a month. "…which led to the Electoral Timetable's milestones passing by, thus rendering the relief sought moot and academic. The Labour Party (and several other new political parties) therefore had no other viable choice than to approach the ConCourt for urgent relief," the party explained. Now the Labour Party wants the Constitutional Court to find its exclusion from the elections "inconsistent with the Constitution and unlawful" and for the President to postpone the elections. "The paragraph that best describes the crux of the decision before the [Constitutional] Court, must be paragraph 64 of our [founding] affidavit. This paragraph crisply and succinctly summarises the prejudice faced by the Labour Party and many other parties as compared to the relatively small effect of postponing the elections. Let's be frank, it would be better to have free and fair elections a few weeks later, than to have the elections on 29 May 2024, but the elections are not free and fair," said Labour Party Secretariat Krister Janse van Rensburg.

Dan Mafora, a Senior Researcher at the Council for the Advancement of theSouth African Constitution (CASAC), addresses misconceptions surrounding theIEC's appeal of the Electoral Court's ruling on former President Zuma'scandidacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Operation Dudula will this week know whether the party can contest the May elections. This after the Electoral Court reserved Judgement for Thursday or Friday in the Movement's case against the IEC. Operation Dudula and four other parties have been excluded from the national ballot.  Elvis Presslin spoke to Operation Dudula Secretary General, Zandile Dabula.

The Labour Party of South Africa on Tuesday noted that owing to Electoral Court delays in its case to reopen the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC's) online portal, the party will now be launching an application to the Constitutional Court seeking to set aside the electoral timetable and postpone the elections scheduled for May 29. On Monday, the Electoral Court handed down judgment in the Labour Party's application to reopen the IEC online portal, which the party said was unstable during the uploading period during which parties were asked to submit the required documents needed to contest the elections. Parties had until 17:00 on March 8 to ensure all documents were submitted. In March, the Labour Party asked the Supreme Court of Appeal to ensure that its application to the Electoral Court was set down as soon as possible, raising concerns that delays in the matter being heard would threaten the freeness and fairness of the 2024 national and provincial elections. "The judgment which was handed down more than a month after the urgent application was filed, dismissed the case of the Labour Party with no order as to costs," said Labour Party secretary Krister Janse van Rensburg. He explained that the judgment contained a minority dissent of some of the judges on the panel who agreed with most, if not all, of the Labour Party's arguments. After meeting with its legal team and considering the Electoral Court's judgment and the minority dissent, the Labour Party made the call that the relief that was initially sought has effectively become moot. Van Rensburg explained that a draft notice of motion outlining the gist of the case has been served on the IEC as a courtesy. "As this matter is currently sub judice, and we are still busy drafting our court papers, we will reserve comment on the finer details of our case," he said. The party is confident that the ConCourt will see the "prejudice to be suffered" if political parties are excluded from participating in what is being called a critical election. "Put simply, these elections will most definitely not be free and fair if the IEC is left to bar new parties when it itself admits serious shortcomings in an untested and glitchy online portal," he added. Van Rensburg said that even more compelling is the serious prejudice caused to the Labour Party, other new parties and the voters by the IEC and the Electoral Court dragging their feet for more than a month to pronounce on Labour Party's case. "It is a clear travesty of justice, and we are of the firm belief that the ConCourt will not allow this situation to prevail," Van Rensburg said.

Political analysis: IEC's decision to appeal Electoral Court's decision on Zuma's candidacy by Radio Islam

Mbekezeli Benjamin is a researcher at Judges Matter, and joins Lester to speak on his views surrounding the Electoral Court ruling on the eligibility of candidates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) CEO Sy Mamabolo said on Tuesday that there is no basis for IEC Commissioner Janet Love to step down from her position, as there is no substantive evidence establishing misconduct on her side. Mamabolo was giving a media briefing on the key aspects of the election timetable. Last week, former President Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party called for Love's immediate resignation, warning that should she fail to resign in seven days, the party would pursue "all available avenues" to remove her, including approaching the courts. "Janet Love, in an unprecedented move publicly declared nationally that President Zuma would not be eligible and couldn't be included in the MK Party's Parliamentary candidate list," the party noted. The party accused Love of being "highly vested" in the outcomes of the May 29 elections, saying she cannot be trusted. The MK Party justified its call for Love's removal by noting her "obnoxious behaviour" in January, before a public objection was lodged regarding the eligibility of Zuma to participate in the Parliamentary elections. Mamabolo said the commission wants clarity in its case, in which the recent Electoral Court judgment saw Zuma win his appeal against the IEC's decision to exclude him from being able to stand as an MK Party parliamentary candidate. The IEC has approached the Constitutional Court to appeal the Electoral Court's judgment on this matter. "With respect to the Constitutional Court appeal, it is preferable to lodge an appeal when you have reasons because then you can follow the reasoning of the court against which whose orders you are appealing. But when an appeal is lodged, it is lodged against the orders of court not against the judgment and we have orders in this case, and on the basis of those orders we think that there is a need for clarity on a number of issues," said Mamabolo. He said questions had to be answered for the sake of clarity for everybody in respect of the immediate case, but also in respect of future elections. He also noted that the commission was concerned about the safety of people and the safety of property during elections. He explained that an election should never be an opportunity for people to lose lives nor an opportunity for people's properties to be lost. "…it is rather an opportunity for the voter to record their political choices in an election that is arranged in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the law. The security agencies in the country are responsible to secure all of us," he said. ELECTION PREPARATIONS Meanwhile, he said last week the Commission issued certificates to the 14 892 candidates who will contest 887 seats in the forthcoming elections. Nominations of candidates closed on March 8 and following verification processes and objections 70 political parties, and 11 independent candidates were published as final contestants in the upcoming May 29 elections. He explained that the list of candidates reflected that 58.14%, or 8 658, were male, with female candidates at 41.86%, or 6 234. Candidates in the age category 40 to 49 are the majority at 4 361, followed by the 3 708 in the 50 to 59 age category and the 3 406 in the 30 to 39 age group. "Notably, there are 15 candidates who at 18 years are also first-time voters. Of the 15, nine are female and six are male. These candidates are spread across eight political parties," he said. Mamabolo explained that voters who would be away from their voting districts on election day, may give a Section 24A notice of their intention to vote at another identified voting station by no later than May 17. He reminded voters that they may only vote at a voting station at which they are registered.

The Electoral Court is today hearing five matters in which political parties seek similar relief. The parties are independently arguing that they failed to comply with the March 8 deadline due to the alleged malfunctioning of IEC's portal. Parties were expected to submit their candidate lists on the portal by the 8th. The IEC, the respondent in the matter, argues that the Commission's portal had no faults. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Zoleka Qhodashe.

The Umkhonto WeSizwe Party - MKP- has expressed disappointment after the Electoral Commission of South Africa announced that it had approached the Constitutional Court to appeal the Electoral Court ruling, which found former president Jacob Zuma can run for elections despite a 15-month prison sentence. The party has accused the IEC of going out of its way to exclude Zuma from the ballot saying the electoral body is entering political space and becoming a player and an arbiter. The party has also called for the immediate resignation of the IEC Commissioner, Janet Love, for what it says is her ' bias'.Sebenzile Nkambule spoke to Ebrahim Fakir, Consultant and  Election Analyst at the Electoral Institute For Sustainable Democracy In Africa - EISA

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said on Friday it has approached the Constitutional Court to appeal the Electoral Court's judgment which saw former President Jacob Zuma win his appeal against the IEC's decision to exclude him from being able to stand as an uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party parliamentary candidate. The IEC argued against Zuma's eligibility to stand as a candidate owing to his 15-month prison sentence for being in contempt of court, in 2021. The IEC wants the matter of the latest appeal finalised before the May 29 election. "The Commission believes there is substantial public interest in providing certainty on the proper interpretation of section 47(1)(e) and its interplay with the powers of the Commission to adjudicate objections to candidates. Such clarity is important in the present matter because of a live issue but also for future elections. It is furthermore important that such legal clarification is obtained from the highest court in the land which has constitutional-matter jurisdiction. Hence, a direct appeal to the Constitutional Court," it explained. The IEC stressed that its court action did not mean it was trying to become politically involved but rather to ensure that constitutional rules were upheld and understood for a free and fair election.

The Electoral Commission says it has the responsibility to clarify constitutional principles and make sure that they are correctly applied. This is with regards to the nomination of candidates running in next month's elections. According to the commission's Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo, this is is the reason they are seeking leave to appeal the Electoral Court's ruling in favour of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. The commission has approached the Constitutional Court on an urgent basis after the Electoral Court ruled against its disqualification of the party leader Jacob Zuma from running in next month's elections. Bongiwe Zwane spoke to uMkhonto we Sizwe party, Nhlamulo Ndhlela

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party on Friday called for the immediate resignation of Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) commissioner Janet Love, warning that should she fail to resign in the next 7 days, the party will pursue "all available avenues" to remove her, including approach the courts. The party accused Love of being "highly vested" in the outcomes of the May 29 elections, saying she cannot be trusted. The MK Party said the Electoral Court's judgment, which saw former President Jacob Zuma win his appeal against the IEC's decision to exclude him from being able to stand as an MK Party parliamentary candidate, underscored a defeat against President Cyril Ramaphosa's African National Congress and "all its treacherous allies". The party said it also showed Love's "prejudicial conduct" as commissioner. The IEC has since approached the Constitutional Court to appeal the Electoral Court's judgment. The MK Party justified its call for Love's removal by noting her "obnoxious behaviour" in January, before an objection was lodged regarding the eligibility of Zuma to participate in the Parliamentary elections. "Janet Love, in an unprecedented move publicly declared nationally that President Zuma would not be eligible and couldn't be included in the MK Party's Parliamentary candidate list," the party noted. The party said that this pronouncement was not only premature and unwarranted, but that it was also in direct violation of the rules which stipulated that such declarations could only be made following an official objection. The MK Party pointed out that at the time of Love's statement, no objection had been filed, which the party said made her actions irregular and prejudicial. "What made things worse is that, even after the obviously orchestrated objection which was launched by a member of the ANC, she still presided within the committee responsible for deciding on President Zuma's eligibility, instead of recusing herself. Despite the clear conflict of interest," the party explained. The MK Party added that this "rogue of arrogance", has clearly undermined the credibility of the IEC and its capacity to administer free and fair elections, which the party said could not afford to harbour any sense of bias and should be beyond reproach.

The Democratic Alliance has won its case against the Independent Electoral Commission to ensure more voting stations abroad for the 2024 General Elections. This comes as the Electoral Court confirmed that the decision taken by the Independent Electoral Commission not to allow voting overseas at consulates headed by honorary consuls should be set aside. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to National Spokesperson for the DA, Solly Malatsi

Richard Calland is a Political Analyst and Emeritus Associate Professor of Public Law at UCT and he provides insight into the recent Electoral Court ruling that favoured the MK party's appeal, permitting former president Jacob Zuma to retain his position on its parliamentary candidate list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party says yesterday's Electoral Court ruling is a major victory for the party as it prepares for the May 29 elections. Website

Freedom Under Law has joined calls for the Electoral Court to release its reasons for overturning the IEC's decision to bar Jacob Zuma from taking part in the general elections as a candidate. Website

The Electoral Commission (IEC) says it will seek legal advice on the latest court order in favour of former president, Jacob Zuma.The Electoral Court on Tuesday ordered that the IEC's decision barring Zuma from being a candidate on the MK Party list be set aside. Prof Ntsikelelo Breakfast    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Independent Electoral Commission says it is taking legal advice on the Electoral Court judgement on the Jacob Zuma-MK Party matter. The IEC says it will chart a way forward based on such advice as well as reasoned judgements that it may receive. The electoral court overturned the IEC's decision, which argued that Zuma's contempt of court conviction and subsequent 15-month sentence in 2021 made him ineligible to run for the National Assembly. Now for more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Political Analyst, Thobani Zikalala

In late March the IEC said it had removed former president Jacob Zuma from the electoral candidate list – siting his imprisonment of over 12 months. Now the Electoral Court has handed down an order in favour of Zuma. Lester Kiewit speaks to Terry Tselane, Executive Chairman of the Institute of Election Management Services in Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Non-profit Freedom Under Law (FUL) wants the Electoral Court to release the reasons for its decision to uphold former President Jacob Zuma's appeal again the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). On Tuesday, Zuma won his appeal in the Electoral Court against the IEC's decision to exclude him from being able to stand as an uMkhonto weSizwe Party parliamentary candidate ahead of the May 29 elections. The IEC argued against Zuma's eligibility to stand as a candidate owing to his 15-month prison sentence for being in contempt of court, in 2021. The Electoral Court issued the order without reasons, which FUL argues is critical for the credibility of the electoral process. "The need for an urgent decision on this matter is understandable, considering that elections are imminent. However, the reasons for the decision are of importance, both for the eligibility of the candidate in question, and as a general precedent. The rule of law requires that courts give fully motivated reasons for their decisions. FUL therefore calls on the Electoral Court to issue its reasons for judgment urgently," FUL said. Meanwhile, African National Congress (ANC) alliance partner the South African Communist Party (SACP) also wants the Electoral Court to release the full judgment of the order it handed down, which it says has "plunged the entire country into speculation". It wants the court to release to full judgment to allow public scrutiny of its rationale and allow the public and the IEC to determine whether there are any grounds for an appeal. The party went on to say that the Zuma brand has passed its "sell-by date". "The fact is that millions of South Africans remain unhappy about the state capture and industrial scale looting that took place with the fugitives from justice, his friends the Guptas, at the helm. No reasonable South African wants to see a return to that rot, including through the ballot," the party said.

Khaya Sithole, Political Analyst, discusses the Electoral Court's decision to overturn the ruling barring former president Jacob Zuma from contesting a parliamentary seat, highlighting its implications and potential impact on the political landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electoral Court has set aside the decision by the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) to bar former president Jacob Zuma from contesting a parliamentary seat, paving the way for him to run for a seat in the National Assembly after the 2024 national and provincial elections next month. This is after the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party appealed on Monday against the IEC's decision to bar Zuma from being one of the party's candidates to parliament after the general elections on May 29. To understand the significance of this decision we're joined by Mr. Lindo Ntuli, Attorney at ENSafrica.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa chats with Benedict Phiri, Legal Analyst, on former President Zuma Jacob's chances of being permitted to stand for legislative seats in the upcoming elections and the possible legal consequences of his sentence remission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judges in MK Party/Zuma case against IEC, ‘took the soft option' – Prof Theo Venter Former President Jacob Zuma can contest the election as one of the candidates for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. It follows after the Electoral Court dismissed the Independent Electoral's (IEC) objection to Zuma's inclusion because he has been convicted of a crime. It will mean that Zuma could be back in Parliament if the MK Party garners enough support on 29 May. Political analyst, Prof Theo Venter said in an interview with Biznews that the judges took the soft option rather than strictly adhering to constitutional principles. Zuma, he says has the cunning ability, like former U.S President Donald Trump to put the system under pressure. Venter said he believes that the five judges on the bench were swayed by extra-judicial issues like the potential for violence. Should the IEC decide to take the matter to the Constitutional Court, Venter said it would not be before the elections. He described the May elections as almost unpredictable, now. Zuma's inclusion on the MK Party's ballot is going to be a game-changer, Venter said.

Former President and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party member Jacob Zuma has won his appeal in the Electoral Court against the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC's) decision to exclude him from being able to stand as an MK Party parliamentary candidate. The IEC will reveal the final candidate list on Wednesday, as preparations are underway for the crucial May 29 elections. The IEC argued against Zuma's eligibility to stand as a candidate owing to his 15-month prison sentence for being in contempt of court, in 2021.

Advocate Dali Mpofu (SC) has warned that the rights of former president, Jacob Zuma under Section 19 of the Constitution would be infringed if he were to be declared as ineligible to stand for public office.  Mpofu is representing the Umkhonto weSizwe Party before the Electoral Court. The party is appealing the decision by the Independent Electoral Commission to uphold objections to the standing of former President, Jacob Zuma for public office under Section 47(1)(e) of the Constitution. Section 47 states that anyone who is convicted of an offence and sentenced to more than 12 months imprisonment without the option of a fine is disqualified to stand for public office. Mpofu has lamented the attitude of the IEC towards the former President and says the exclusion of the former President would disenfranchise supporters of the party, Zuma and the MK party. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter, Zoleka Qodashe.

Electoral court dismisses ANC's bid to deregister MK Party by Radio Islam

The ANC will today square off against the uMkhonto weSizwe, MK Party over its alleged trademark infringement of the ruling party's disbanded paramilitary wing, Umkhonto weSizwe. This after the ANC failed in its legal bid to deregister the Zuma-endorsed party before the Electoral Court. The matter over the copyright infringement will be heard before the Durban High Court, In KwaZulu Natal today. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Veterans League president Snuki Zikalala

The African National Congress argued, through its legal counsel, that the Electoral Court does not have the jurisdiction to hear the matter relating to the infringement of the Trade Mark Act. Advocate Tshidiso Ramogale relied on the Electoral Commission Act in assessing the jurisdiction that the Electoral Court and the IEC have. The ANC has hauled the UmkhontoWesizwe party to court accusing it of being in violation of the Trade Marks Act by using the name and logo similar to that of the disbanded UmkhontoWesizwe military wing. Ramogale argues that the Durban High Court is the appropriate forum to ventilate the matter. This is an extract of what the court heard today.

Thabiso Goba joins Mike to explain The Electoral Court's decision at The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg to reject the ANC's request to deregister Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DA's motion of no confidence in the speaker has been accepted. The Special Tribunal has ordered software giant SAP to pay R500 million to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) within seven days concerning corrupt contracts at Eskom.Kaizer Kganyago. The DA wants the DIRCO to open more voting stations abroad. Statistician-General releases the results of the Non-financial Census of Municipalities, 2022. Jackie Phamotse will be sentenced for criminal defamation, crime injuria, and contempt over her Twitter post about the Khumalos. We federal agents raided rapper and Hip Hop Mogul Sean Diddy Comb's home amid sex trafficking claims and sex assault lawsuits. Bafana Bafana VS Algeria, what can we expect? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electoral Court on Tuesday ruled the Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) registration of the newly formed MK party was not unlawful.  The ANC filed an application challenging the MK party's registration, arguing the IEC contravened the law by allowing the party, to supplement its registration application after it had already been rejected. 

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lost a bid to have the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, endorsed by former ANC leader Jacob Zuma, removed from the ballot before the elections in May. The Electoral Court dismissed the application in a judgment handed down on Tuesday. The ANC had argued that the MK party illegally used a logo similar to one used by the ANC's military wing and should therefore be deregistered. "There is nothing unlawful about the registration" of the MK party, Judge Leicester Adams said in the ruling in Johannesburg. "The application is dismissed with no order as to costs," fellow Judge Lebogang Modiba said. The MK Party's participation in the election risks further eroding support for the ANC, which may lose its national majority for the first time since the party came to power at the end of apartheid 30 years ago. Launched in September 2023, the MK Party gained national attention in December, when Zuma publicly endorsed it and said he wouldn't vote for the ANC. MK Party leaders have threatened civil unrest should the party be excluded from the election. That warning raised fears of a repeat of violence that erupted in July 2021, when more than 350 people died after Zuma was arrested for contempt of court. The ANC is scheduled to hold a media briefing later on Monday afternoon to respond to the Electoral Court's decision.

Its been jubilation and ululations outside the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg as Mkhonto weSizwe Party supporters celebrate the news that the party will be allowed to contest in the upcoming May 29 national and provincial elections. This comes after the Electoral Court dismissed an application by the African National Congress to have the party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, removed from the ballot. Here is some of the MK Supporters outside court breaking in song upon hearing the court outcome... 

The Electoral Court in Bloemfontein is expected to hand down judgement on whether the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party can contest elections this year. The ANC is challenging the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa, IEC over the registration of the MK party, backed by former President Jacob Zuma. The ANC argued the MK party's registration was irregular and unlawful. For more on this, Elvis Presslin spoke to MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela

Bernadette Wicks joins John from EWN to discuss the developments of The African National Congress (ANC) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party's legal battle in the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Counsel for the African National Congress ( ANC) has argued that there are only three grounds upon which the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)  can entertain appeals by parties aggrieved with the registration of a political party. The ANC is at the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein today, challenging the registration of the UmkhontoWesizwe party. The MK party was registered in September last year and will contest the 2024 general elections. For more on this we are joined on the line by our reporter Zoleka Qodashe

The African National Congress is expected to head to the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein tomorrow to challenge the registration of the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP). The governing party argues that there were procedural flaws in the way the MKP was registered by the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Mawethu Mosery. Zoleka Qodashe takes a look at the merits of the ANC's argument and its prospects of success.

There is a growing dispute between the Democratic Alliance, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) regarding the difficulties faced by South Africans living abroad when trying to register and vote at overseas missions. This issue could potentially result in a case before the Electoral Court that oversees the IEC and the conduct of elections in the country. The dispute follows after voters in Perth, Australia discovered that they could only vote at the South African High Commission in Canberra, while South Africans living in Malta will have to travel to Rome to vote. In an interview with Biznews, Adrian Rose, the Deputy Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, said that the DA has given the IEC and DIRCO an ultimatum to consider the inclusion of so-called honorary consulates, like Perth, as voting stations. If this is not granted, the DA would consider taking other steps. Rose added that the DA wants DIRCO and the IEC to increase the number of voting stations abroad by adding an extra 6-10 within the present legislation. Rose disagreed with the argument that there were financial constraints to adding extra overseas voting stations, as the government receives additional tax revenue from many overseas South Africans. He also highlighted that while the government has set a target of getting 100,000 prisoners out of about 127,000 prisoners to vote, there are no similar targets for voters overseas. It was unfair, he said that prisoners have a better chance of voting than South Africans living abroad. According to Rose, South Africans living overseas have a constitutional right to vote, and the government should take necessary steps to ensure that they can vote without any difficulties

The African National Congress (ANC) has reportedly taken its logo dispute with the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party to the Electoral Court. ANC secretary-general (SG) Fikile Mbalula revealed during a live interview with eNCA that he had signed papers on Tuesday. "MK is our trademark. It is well known in South Africa. It's the people's army, and it belongs to the ANC," he said. Mbalula added that the ANC challenged the formation of the MK Party in May and won, but later a certificate was awarded to the new organisation without the party's knowledge. "The technicality about that was that [there] was a gazette, and we didn't respond. We were unaware of that, and once we were aware, we responded. We are challenging that and we are going to the Electoral Court. I signed the papers [on Tuesday]," he added. Interim MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela said: "We have just heard statements that were mentioned by Fikile Mbalula. We will respond accordingly when we receive court papers; until then, it is just hearsay." The two parties are embroiled in a legal battle over the use of the MK logo. The ANC believes the logo bears similarities to that of its military wing, uMkhonto weSizwe. In a letter of demand, the ANC submitted that the logo would confuse voters at the polls. In what appeared to be a desperate attempt to spin his most recent statements on using millions of taxpayers' money for security upgrades to former president Jacob Zuma's homestead in Nkandla, including R4-million on a "fire pool", Mbalula said he was speaking to ANC cadres and would not sugarcoat his message. Mbalula added that he was not throwing party members under the bus when he said the party had lied to defend Zuma. He was relaying historical facts, he said. "I was not addressing a media conference. I was speaking to ANC supporters, and when I talk to ANC supporters and members, I don't sugarcoat issues. I say what they know and what is the truth, and that truth is on that day, Nkandla was explained," he added. Since then, former police minister Nathi Nhleko said his 2014 claim that the R4-million pool was a "fire pool" aimed at securing the home of the president at the time was backed up by facts. Mbalula said he would engage with Nhleko "quietly as per ANC standards". He added that ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe had broken ANC protocol by speaking out publicly against him. Mantashe told journalists on Tuesday that Mbalula may have been excited by the press when he commented on the fire pool in Nkandla. Mbalula said that while Mantashe had yet to answer his phone calls, he would meet with him in Mbombela to discuss the matter. "I will get him every day. Every day we meet. I am not in a hurry about it. "I think in his way, he thought he was doing something good for the movement, and in this particular instance, I will give him the benefit of the doubt. "Who am I in the ANC? I am just the SG," Mbalula added. In the ANC's build-up programme on Thursday, party leaders and members embark on poverty alleviation programmes, which includes planting vegetable gardens in the area.

Roberto Diaz  (Twitter @dieresis_u & @RRomanen) reports on the problematic democratic transition in Mexico and the problems with the Electoral Institute (National Electoral Institute) that has polarized the Mexican citizens. As well the reformations from the executive power: the “Electoral Reform'' and the “B Plan”. #INE#democracy#MexicanDemocracy#LorenzoCordova#PlanB#ElectoralReformation#ReformaElectoral#Mexico#MexicoPolitics#Politica#AMLO#MexicanPolitics Recorded 2023-03-18. Duration 16:48 Listen or Direct download   Send listener feedback  Mexico City: March 18, 2023. Roberto Diaz  (Twitter @dieresis_u & @RRomanen) reports on the problematic democratic transition in Mexico and the problems with the Electoral Institute (National Electoral Institute) that has polarized the Mexican citizens. As well the reformations from the executive power: the “Electoral Reform'' and the “B Plan”. #INE#democracy#MexicanDemocracy#LorenzoCordova#PlanB#ElectoralReformation#ReformaElectoral#Mexico#MexicoPolitics#Politica#AMLO#MexicanPolitics Recorded 2023-03-18. Duration 16:48 Listen or Direct download   Send listener feedback  Mexico City: March 18, 2023. In Mexico only two autonomous electoral organizations exist that are authorized to validate elections in Mexico. The first one, the INE, The instituto Nacional Electoral, which takes care of logistics at the state and federal level for vote counting, and production of voting identification cards which also work as an ID card. The second one, is the Federation Judicial Power of the Electoral Court. The first one, takes care of the logistics and the second validates or impugn the INEs decisions. IN 2014, the Electoral Federal Institute (IFE) after a reformation of the constitutional 41 article in which the two different standards of federal and local election institutes were homologated, the National Electoral Institute was born. This institute finally marked a major autonomy from the power in turn. At the dawn of the upcoming resolution of the judicial power for the "B plan" of the Electoral reformation, to the secondary laws of the "National Electoral Institute" (INE). The autonomous institution of the federal government which is in charge of the logistics, vote counting and verification of electoral results in the country.  Nonetheless, this odyssey for the reformation of the electoral system is still not easy. This institution was under the presidency of Lorenzo Cordova, a professor and researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, UNAM. —the 14 years of Cordova's administration as the former IFE president and then INE's one, weren't easy. —His presidency suffered the backlash of Lorenzo's racist remarks against the Mexican indigenous organizations, which tainted the image of his presidency. The 2018 presidential election complicated the situation as the government plan of president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO), sketched in this presidency “National Plan of Development '', foresaw a profound reformation of the electoral institution in his fifth year of government. His reasons were diverse, from a partiality of the INE counselors that stole elections in the country, and therefore lost the credibility to diverse sectors of the Mexican population, the high salaries for their workers and the opacity into their accounts. Made it mistrustful for the AMLO's administration. Especially after the "Austerity policy" was ratified in the congress. With a general salary to cut political parties, and public workers. These measures weren't accepted by the INE and the institution remained keeping the same level of expenses that inevitably were going to crush the federal budget for the upcoming year. The second scandal that took the spotlight was in 2019, the close relationship of Cordova with former president Felipe Calderon Hinojosa. —Famously known for starting the war on drugs, and who had quit, a year prior, the Center-Right party "Accion Nacional" party (PAN) —At the time, he was looking for a ratification of his new political party "Mexico Libre". In the month of November, a journalist spotted him dining with Lorenzo Cordova, and from that moment, the INE's president was labeled as "one-sided" —Mexico Libre didn't get its registration later that year. —Unfortunately for Cordova, this was a difficult label to remove. In 2021, the governor elections in 15 federal states, 4 candidates of the MORENA party —AMLO's left political party — in the states of Guerrero, Michoacán and San Luis Potosi, were taken down from these elections, for supposedly campaign expenses that weren't reported in the budget.  —Some of them to the amount of 15,000 pesos or 800 USD. —The one sided decisions the INE counselors took, apparently ignoring MORENA supporters' allegations against the Mexican opposition candidates in 2021, filled the idea of a "one-sided" narrative of the electoral institution. And even after the results were ratified and MORENA victories were accepted. The transcendental event of the incorporation of the referendum figure, only showed the negligence of the counselors and organizers inside the electoral institution. The two referendum celebrated in 2021 and 2022 were the first ones to be organized by the INE, the first one named "Political Trail to former presidents''; the first referendum celebrated in Mexican history, the advertisement of this transcendental event in Mexican democracy, was a direct responsibility of the INE, prohibiting any external person or organization to generate some kind of propaganda. Unfortunately, the lack of authorized publicity, the problems of low budget and the stubborn choice of not reducing the expenses inside the organization, resulted in a failure of the first Mexican referendum. The second referendum celebrated in 2022, "Presidential Mandate Revocation", this time, even when the advertisement was going to be generated by the INE, the political parties and organizations entered in a propagandistic war, some against, some in favor of this referendum. For the INE, this referendum represented a challenge, the budget reduction of 2022, materialized in a reduction of voting booths, and resulted in a logistic failure. That same year by instructions of the Electoral Court, the INE started a persecution of social media users under allegations of "Political gender violence" —Civilians that had insulted PRI's deputy Paloma Sanchez, were sanctioned with a bill" and with that, the first attack to freedom of speech began from outside the government. At the same time, a series of legal processes of the PRD female deputies —Center Left political party allied with the PAN —against a group of MORENA male and female deputies for "Political gender violence" were approved by the Electoral Court. —One case that took the spotlight was the one against Andrea Chavez, feminist federal deputy of MORENA party, for a supposedly a prejudicial tweet of 2021, although the content of said tweet wasn't enough motive to classified as "gender violence" the first verdict was favorable for the PRD deputy, although after the public backlash, the court rectified its decision. During the second part of 2022, the political landscape was divided by a propagandistic war against Alejandro Moreno Cardenas (The PRI party president) —This campaign was in charge of the new Campeche governess, Layda Sansores. She managed to hack Moreno's cellphone and leaked its content in a series of TV show segments, realized on a weekly basis, known as "Jaguar's Tuesday". The program showed a series of messages about private interactions of Moreno with Lorenzo Cordova. —Some of them gave evidence of PRI deputies support in INE's defense budget and in response, Cordova was supposed to accept Moreno's financial secretary inside the INE. — Lorenzo Cordova then, accepted that these conversations were legitimate. At the end of 2022, the INE tried to hide a public poll in which the results showed that 60% of the Mexican citizens wanted a reformation of the Electoral Institute. Nonetheless, the spotlight was taken by the populous march of November, in which the Mexican opposition and their sympathizers took the streets around the Independence Angel Monument, to the Revolution Monument, under the motto. "I defend the INE" from the upcoming Electoral Reformation. Although some fantastic numbers had a participation of 800 thousand protesters, more realistic estimates place them with 70 thousand participants. In 2023, the Electoral Reformation was voted and without a qualified majority, Morena couldn't pass this initiative. —Some of the most controversial points inside this initiative, were the INE's transformation with the responsibility of adding public consults or referendums into their electoral chores, the representatives and counselors were going to be elected by popular vote. The reduction of plurinominal deputies. —Nonetheless, the backup plan to modify the INE was already drafted and ready to be voted on. The "B Plan" was a reformation of the Electoral secondary laws in the constitution. For a minor reformation MORENA only needed its simple majority. The B Plan contemplates the elimination of plurinominal deputies, the reduction of 500 federal deputies to 300 deputies, the possibility for citizens to pick their own counselors and magistrates in the Electoral Court and the INE. (As right now, the only method is a knowledge exam). Using a misinformation campaign, the Mexican political opposition organization called "UNIDOS", together with other 50 Nonprofit Organizations, once again took the streets of Mexico City, this time gathering around 100 thousand people that marched to the Zocalo Plaza. This event was celebrated in the midst of a discussion for an unconstitutional controversy" in the Supreme Court, the judges are analyzing the B Plan, point by point. Finally, the upcoming exit of the President counselor, Lorenzo Cordova, who is leaving the INE's presidency this year, the destitution of the executive secretary of the INE: Jacobo Molina, because the B Plan internal reforming, polarized the Mexican society, for one week, Jacobo Molina left the electoral institute, then he was rejoined by an order of the Supreme Court. This event could foresee a troubled scenario to the B Plan acceptance and favorable resolution in the supreme court. More Resources: Historia del Instituto Federal Electoral the "B plan" of the Electoral reformation Audioescándalo en el INE: Lorenzo Córdova se mofa de indígenas https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/opinion/bajo-reserva/la-comida-calderon-lorenzo-cordova/ INE retira candidatura a Salgado Macedonio y a 60 candidatos de Morena Putting Justice to a Vote? Q&A on Mexico's August 1 Referendum https://mexicobusiness.news/policyandeconomy/news/revocation-mandate-referendumelectrical-reform https://es.euronews.com/2022/04/11/lopez-obrador-gana-el-referendum-sobre-la-continuidad-de-su-mandato-con-muy-baja-participa TEPJF multó a 15 tuiteros por violencia política de género; sancionados acusan censura https://politico.mx/alito-le-pedia-favores-a-lorenzo-cordova-revelan-chats-publicados-por-layda-sansores https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexicans-protest-presidents-electoral-reform-plan-2022-11-13/ Senado aprueba Plan B de Reforma Electoral, desechan cláusula de vida eterna Más de 100.000 personas protestan en México contra las modificaciones al INE Tribunal federal ordena restituir a Edmundo Jacobo en el INE Our website:  Democracy Watch News   Twitter: D Watch News International    Twitter: DWatch News  North America     Facebook:     Instagram:    LinkedIn:   YouTube:     Our production team and theme music    Democracy Watch News is currently produced by volunteers. 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A question raised by a commissioner triggered EFF leader Julius Malema to slam a judge for “not knowing basic concepts”. Judge Mpho Catherine Mamosebo is the only candidate contesting to be a judge member at the Electoral Court.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has used his track record as the mayor of Johannesburg in his party's final push to lure voters ahead of Monday's municipal elections. The party faced challenges en route to contesting its first elections - the biggest was the controversy over how the party appeared on electoral ballots. It was a battle the party lost in the Electoral Court of SA and had resulted in its name not appearing on ballots to be distributed for ward candidates. Its name would instead appear on proportional representation ballots. At a rally held on Thursday in the Joburg CBD, Mashaba said despite the challenges, the party was well on its way to making inroads in various municipalities. Mashaba told scores of supporters that the party could be trusted. The party is competing for seats in Joburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and in KwaZulu-Natal. The former Johannesburg mayor's speech relied heavily on his track record in the metro. He said when he was mayor, for three years, he was able to expand the metro police department by more than 1 000 officers. He said this saw scores of arrests increase in his term of office than at any other time. He said if he would return to power, the party would produce a CCTV network that would expand the work done by the department. The former mayor also claimed his tenure saw the expansion of clinic hours, electricity was provided to communities and houses were built. He said businesses had operated in comfort while he was in charge and that abandoned buildings were distributed, and plans were in place to build 25 000 affordable housing accommodation. Mashaba said expansion of this work was possible if his party managed to win as many seats as possible in municipalities. He repeated his previous statements that the party would never go into a coalition with the African National Congress (ANC). Mashaba said, "ActionSA will never go into a coalition with the ANC. You cannot fix the problem by partnering with the cause of the problem. Voters want an alternative to the ANC and ActionSA is that party." He added that ActionSA was open and willing to work with other political parties in an open manner. Mashaba said the party's focus was for the national elections in 2024. ActionSA tracking poll ActionSA claimed its internal tracking poll put it ahead in Joburg and with a 3% margin of being the biggest party in Tshwane. The poll was conducted with about 1 000 residents in each metro. Mashaba told News24 that, despite criticism that it was too small a sample size, this poll was accurate and that it also spoke to the threat faced by the Democratic Alliance against the possible rise of ActionSA. "With the numbers that we got; ours (polling) we believe. Yes, the polling can have a margin of error, but I can tell you that an error would be less than 5%. At the end of the day, you can run research and polling, but the decision will be made on Monday by the voters," Mashaba said.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba reacts to The Electoral Court of SA dismissal of ActionSA's court application, which sought to force the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) to print the party's name on ballot papers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has welcomed the Electoral Court's judgment against ActionSA. This after the party claimed that its name was intentionally omitted from draft ballot papers for Gauteng ward candidates. The party sought to have the IEC's decision declared unconstitutional. The IEC said the judgment paved the way for the orderly conduct of elections in the affected wards. The Commission reiterated that it did not exclude ActionSA from the ward ballots, adding that the party had elected not to register an abbreviated name or acronym when registering. “Abbreviated names or acronyms are used instead of full names because the ward candidate full names are used,” the IEC explained. The IEC earlier explained that ward ballot papers usually showed the name of the candidate, a photograph of an independent candidate, the party's logo and the registered abbreviated name of the party. The approach to ballot design had been part of electoral management practice with the advent of the new system of local government in 2000, the IEC said.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said that on Friday while his party is disappointed by the Electoral Court's findings against it, it would now focus on ensuring that voters are able to locate ActionSA on ballot papers come election day on November 1. ActionSA filed an urgent application against the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) after the party's name was omitted from draft ballot papers for Gauteng ward candidates. ActionSA had argued that the absence of its name on the ballot paper would confuse voters as the final ballot only contains the party's logo. “ActionSA has received the disappointing news that the Electoral Court has found against our application,” Mashaba said. He said given the urgent nature of the application, the Electoral Court will only provide written reasons at a later date. “While we are disappointed by the outcome, ActionSA is dedicated to the rule of law and we respect the outcome of the court and the experience of the jurists who presided over our matter,” he stated. The party said it appreciated South Africans who have rallied behind it in the battle with the IEC.

ActionSA says its disappointed that the Electoral Court has dismissed its application to have its name added to the ballot paper for next month's elections.

Guest: Michael Beaumont, National chairperson of Action SA See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: Theto Mahlakoana | Senior Political Reporter at EWN Michael Beaumont, National chairperson of Action SA See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electoral Court has ordered the country's Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to file responding papers by Tuesday, 12 October, in response to a challenge brought to its decision not to print the full name of ActionSA in the acronym spot of the ballot for the 1 November local government poll. The IEC has argued that ActionSA's papers lodged contained no acronym and that the process of printing ballot papers has already commenced. ActionSA has argued that the 8-letter name meant that it complied with the regulation to have an acronym of fewer than eight letters, and that the full party name itself should have thus been printed on the ballot. The party further expressed its dismay at the court's slow decision, especially since no date has been set for it to rule. A study by the IEC in 2020 concluded that the party logo was the primary identifier concerning voting behaviour; however, this may be different in a local government context since the picture will differ dependent on the person contesting the ward. Speaking to Radio Islam International, Lerato Ngobeni, a spokesperson for ActionSA, expressed her dismay at the decision, calling it unconstitutional and improper.

ActionSA has filed an urgent application with the Electoral Court against the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for “its failure to remedy the absence of ActionSA's name” from ballot papers. This after the party's name was omitted from draft ballot papers for Gauteng ward candidates. ActionSA said the IEC's legal reasoning and decision is patently unlawful and unconstitutional. ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont said if the local government elections were to proceed with ballot papers that do not reflect the party's name, it would be unfair and prejudicial to ActionSA and to voters, making the election not free and fair. The IEC had until 10h00 on Wednesday to file their notice of intention to oppose the matter or abide ActionSA's request to the court. “In the IEC's current ballot paper, only our logo appears – the party's name does not appear and an empty space has been left in its place. The implication of this is that ActionSA supporters will be limited only to a candidate name and a logo to identify the party on the ballot, while other parties will have the benefit of their name or popularised acronym appearing,” said Beaumont. Beaumont argued that the IEC's decision to exclude ActionSA's name from the ballot paper, based on the Commission's chosen design of the ballot paper, was taken because irrelevant considerations were taken into account or relevant considerations were simply not made. He explained that it was the party's contention that it does not have an abbreviated name. “One of the reasons ‘ActionSA' was chosen as our name is that it complies with the IEC's own 8-character limit on abbreviated party names, thus, our party's name could always be used in full wheresoever it would be required,” he added. He said the party raised its objection to the draft ballot papers with the IEC, during and after the ballot sign-off held on October 2, however ActionSA was initially informed that the issue would not be addressed as the printing of the ballot papers had already commenced. Beaumont further stated that the IEC's assertion that the purpose of the presentation of the draft ballot papers was solely for political parties to sign-off and not intended to remedy defects that may be attendant to the registration of identifiers, is irrational. The party has affirmed in court papers that there is no legal basis for the Commission to refuse the party's demand to remedy the “gross omission of ActionSA's name” from the ballot paper and the party is confident the courts will share this perspective.

The African National Congress has withdrawn its court application to the electoral court. This came just hours after it filed papers to the court. The ANC says the withdrawal of the application depends on the conclusion of the Constitutional Court application. The IEC approached the court to ask it to postpone the elections from October to February next year. Chairperson of the Democratic Alliance federal council, Helen Zille claims there is more to the ruling party's application withdrawal and ANC spokesperson, Pule Mabe gives reasons as to the withdrawal...

While the EFF has opposed the move, the leader of the United Democratic Movement, Bantu Holomisa, has announced that his party will join the ANC, as it approaches the Electoral  Court asking for the re-opening of the registration of election candidates for a day. The governing party says it couldn't register some of its candidates for the upcoming local elections due to problems beyond its control. All political parties had until 9 pm on Monday to submit their candidate lists for the upcoming Local Government Elections to the IEC. Holomisa says the IEC's timetable was unrealistic to start with and his objections on the matter fell on deaf ears... 

The African National Congress has vowed to approach the Electoral Court to ask for the re-opening of the registration of election candidates for a day. The party says it couldn't register some of its candidates for the upcoming local elections due to problems beyond its control. All political parties had until Monday at 9pm to submit their candidates list to the IEC but the ANC says it encountered problems beyond its control with the IEC portal freezing and data already in the system being voided. Jon Gericke spoke to Independent Political Analyst, Theo Venter

Guest: Sy Mamabolo | Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)   at Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) will urgently approach the Electoral Court to postpone eight by-elections scheduled for Wednesday, 30 June following the implementation of Level 4 lockdown restrictions. Wednesday's elections were supposed to be the final by-elections to be conducted by the commission ahead of the local government elections scheduled for October 27. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electoral Court has postponed by-elections scheduled for June 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The court ruled that the by-elections could be held beyond the 90 day legislated period for the filling of councillor vacancies but not beyond 120 days from the date of the order.We spoke to the Independent Electoral Commission's Deputy Chief Executive, Masego Shiburi

The Black First Land First movement has officially been de-registered as a political party. This after the Electoral Court yesterday rejected the BLF's application to appeal its de-registration. In June, the Independent Electoral Commission ruled in favour of the Freedom Front Plus to have the movement officially scrapped from the list of the country's political parties. The IEC says this was based on its constitution which states that it may not register a political party that excludes membership on the basis of race, colour or ethnicity.

35 small political parties expressed their unhappiness to the IEC on what they say are flaws in the electoral process and are calling for a rerun of the polls. The group includes the BLF, ATM, NFP, ACM and Land Party. They want an independent auditor appointed to audit the results. They say they will approach the Electoral Court and, if need be, the Constitutional Court, to nullify the elections. Official results are expected to be announced by the Independent Electoral Commission today (Saturday) . For more Elvis Presslin spoke to Thandi Nontenja ,UDM National Treasurer

Independent Candidates in Tlokwe municipality, in Potchefstroom in the North West, are preparing to file court papers with the Electoral Court against the IEC. They say that certain voters in Tlokwe were denied the right to vote in last week's municipal elections as a result of the amalgamation of Tlokwe and Ventersdorp municipalities. The merger led to some wards and boundaries being changed by the Municipal Demarcation Board. Patrick Dintwa reports...

The National Freedom Party has rejected suggestions that the absence of its leader, Zanele Magwaza-Msibi has put the party in the current mess. The party is disappointed that it will not participate in the municipal elections. The Electoral Court has dismissed the party's application to be included on the ballot paper. The IEC excluded the NFP from participating in the polls because it failed to pay its registration fee on time. The party has accused its rival party the IFP of sabotaging it. The NFP's national spokesperson, Bheki Gumbi..

The National Freedom Party (NFP) will be contesting the August 03 municipal election. The party will be contesting the eNquthu Municipality. Last week‚ the Electoral Court dismissed the party's bid to be included on the ballot paper after it missed the Electoral Commission of SA's payment deadline.We spoke to the NFP's NEC Member Manzzor Sheik Imam

IFP leader Inkosi Mangosuthu Buthelezi has called on the NFP leadership to tell their members the truth about the reasons behind the party's failure to pay the IEC registration fee. Buthelezi addressed members of the media in Durban following violent protests allegedly by NFP members in Ulundi in northern KwaZulu-Natal. NFP members were reacting to the news that the Electoral Court has ruled against their party, disqualifying them from contesting the August local government elections. Buthelezi says the issue needs to be dealt with by the party's leadership. Khalesakhe Mbhense reports

The Inkatha Freedom Party IFP, is opposing an application by the National Freedom Party NFP, to get the IEC to extend it's deadline for a registration fee.The NFP has approached the Electoral Court sitting in the Johannesburg High Court following an announcement that it has been disqualified for participating in elections as it missed the crucial deadline.Dr Lindiwe Makhunga Political Science Lecturer at Wits takes us through the implications of this on voters....

The National Freedom Party has been disqualified from contesting August 3 municipal elections. KwaZulu-Natal IEC Commissioner Mawethu Mosery says the NFP failed to meet the deadline of paying the deposit. The party says they are still waiting for the decision of the Electoral Court after they approached it in connection with the challenges they encountered. We spoke to National Freedom Party's Secretary General, Professor Nhlanhla Khubisa...

The local government elections will go ahead on the third of August despite the Constitutional Court's ruling that the IEC did not capture the voter's addresses correctly on the voter's roll. Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng has given the Electoral Commission 18 months to get its systems in order. Previously the Electoral Court wanted that the IEC provide addresses of registered voters. To give a perspective on this, we are joined on the line by Grant Masterson- he is the Programme Manager at the Electoral Institute for the Sustainability of Democracy in Africa (EISA).

What, if anything, will the Constitutional Court do about our less than perfect national voters roll? The clock is ticking for a solution, as the voters roll must be certified by the end of May in order to be ready for the August municipal elections. The IEC wants the Constitutional Court to intervene after the Electoral Court set aside the voters roll for the Tlokwe by-elections. This was because the IEC is unable to provide verifiable addresses for some 4000 voters. The IEC says that that judgment spells catastrophe for our national voters roll. Senior Constitutional Court Reporter, Candice Nolan has the details

Voter registration gets underway this weekend amid a seeming dent in the reputation of the Independent Electoral Commission after a ruling by the Electoral Court to postpone by-elections across the country until further notice. Several communities including Tlokwe in the North West province, Limpopo and George Goch and Denver Hostel in southern Johannesburg have vowed to disrupt the registration weekend following protests relating to demarcations issues. We speak to IEC Vice Chairperson, Terry Tselane and reporters Jabulani Baloyi, Bafedile Moerane and Nkululeko Nyembezi...

The Independent Electoral Commission says it has undertaken a range of initiatives to ensure that all new voting registrations include the addresses of voters. This follows an Electoral Court judgement, in November last year, that ruled in favour of independent candidates in the by-elections at the Tlokwe Municipality, in North West, that the voters' roll should bear the addresses of voters. Chairperson of the IEC Glen Mashinini says a number of measures are in place to obtain location details from voters...