The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has launched a thorough investigation following media reports and inquiries alleging that the MK party submitted fraudulent signatures during the candidate nomination process. In response to these grave allegations, Kate Bapela, spokesperson for the IEC, has made a statement emphasizing the urgency of addressing the situation.
Bapela revealed that a criminal complaint has been lodged with the South African Police Service, underlining the seriousness with which the matter is being treated. She called upon the crime investigation authorities to expedite their inquiries to establish the veracity of the claims. Stressing the critical importance of swift action, Bapela emphasized that an expeditious investigation is essential for ensuring the integrity of the upcoming elections.
Providing insights into the verification process, Bapela confirmed that the signature portal of the candidate nomination system verifies whether the identity numbers submitted belong to registered citizens of the Republic. This verification process ensures that the individuals are legitimate citizens registered on the voter's roll.
Furthermore, Bapela acknowledged the inherent challenges in confirming the authenticity of signatures, as previously discussed during parliamentary debates on the institutionalization of the signature requirement. She stated that it remains difficult to ascertain whether the signatures indeed belong to the individuals claiming to have provided them.
The IEC's decisive action underscores its commitment to upholding electoral integrity and transparency. As South Africa prepares for upcoming elections, the outcome of the investigation will be crucial in maintaining public trust in the electoral process. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation progresses.
