Western Cape Local Government Minister Anton Bredell has welcomed the Constitutional Court’s ruling that local government elections must go ahead this year.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) approached the court recently to have the elections postponed from October to February next year. This after retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke released an IEC commissioned report in which he recommended that the polls would not be free and fair under the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The Constitutional Court also ruled that elections must be held between a certain time period.
Bredell’s spokesperson James Brent-Styan says, “The court’s decision delivered that the local government scheduled for this year have to take place this year between 27 October and 1 November. The department of local government in the province is prepared for the upcoming elections.”
Political parties reaction
Most political parties have welcomed the Constitutional Court ruling that elections should go ahead as planned between October the 27th and the 1st of November.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen says political parties must adapt to the new normal and must continue with the elections.
Speaking to the SABC, Steenhuisen says they welcome the ruling:
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) says it is ready for the elections and will soon roll out its campaign in adherence with the COVID-19 protocols.
IFP spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa says they have submitted their list and are now ready.
STATEMENT | Now that we have certainty around the election date, We are committed to ensuring that all our candidates have the support needed to successfully contest the election. – @MkhulekoHlengwa https://t.co/TGAza8Sw8u
— Inkatha Freedom Party (@IFPinParliament) September 3, 2021
EFF Notes The Constitutional Court Judgement To Dismiss The Application By The IEC To Postpone Local Government Elections pic.twitter.com/SFzjiJhC8V
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) September 3, 2021
FFPlus welcomes green light for October polls:
