It has come to the SABC’s attention that three politicians names are appearing on three different parties’ candidates list for the upcoming general elections.
Mpowele Mexan Swathe appears on both the United Christian Democratic Party (UCDP) and Democratic Alliance (DA)’s candidate list; Theo Willem Coetzee on both the DA’s and Freedom Front Plus’ lists; and Nicolaas Jacobus Van der Berg on both the DA’s and FF Plus’.
The DA has, however, distanced itself from Van der Berg, saying he has defected to the FF Plus. This was also confirmed by Van der Berg himself, saying: “I have resigned from the DA more than a week ago.”
The DA couldn’t confirm if they will be adding a new name to their list.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Communications Officer, Kate Bapela, says it is not against the IEC policy for an individual to be on more than one party’s candidate list.
It is still not yet clear why Swathe and Coetzee are on more than one party’s list.
Wednesday, 26 March, published provisional candidates list of all parties which will contest the General Elections on May 7.
From the date the candidates list is published until Monday, 31 March, the public and interested parties will be able to scrutinise the names submitted by respective political parties. During this period the public can raise any issues and objections about the names of the candidates and the documents that were submitted by parties.
– By
