MK Party has issued a resolute call for the immediate resignation of Janet Love, Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). The demand comes in the wake of what the party perceives as egregious bias and prejudicial conduct on the part of Love, particularly concerning the eligibility of former President Jacob Zuma to contest in the upcoming elections.
The MK Party, known for its vocal stance on matters of electoral integrity, has condemned Love's actions as a betrayal of the trust bestowed upon her in her capacity as an IEC Commissioner. The party asserts that Love's close ties to the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and her public declaration regarding Zuma's eligibility demonstrate a clear lack of impartiality.
The catalyst for the MK Party's call for Love's resignation stems from an incident on January 24, 2024, when Love prematurely declared Zuma ineligible to participate in the parliamentary elections under the MK Party banner. This declaration, made before any official objection had been lodged, was deemed irregular and prejudicial by the MK Party, as it contravened established IEC protocols.
Furthermore, the MK Party accuses Love of failing to recuse herself from the committee responsible for determining Zuma's eligibility even after an objection was lodged, highlighting a blatant conflict of interest.
The MK Party argues that Love's actions have not only compromised the credibility of the IEC but also raise questions about the integrity of South Africa's electoral process. They cite recent events in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Love's involvement in the audit of the voter registration process came under scrutiny from opposition candidates. These candidates alleged that Love had endorsed a flawed electoral process, casting doubt on her suitability for overseeing electoral procedures.
Moreover, the MK Party raises concerns about Love's potential involvement in the DRC as an electoral agent, speculating whether her ties to President Ramaphosa may have influenced her actions to safeguard certain business interests.
In light of these allegations, the MK Party has given Love a seven-day ultimatum to resign from her position as IEC Commissioner. Failure to comply, the party warns, will result in them pursuing all available legal avenues to address the issue, including seeking intervention from the courts.
The demand for Love's resignation underscores the MK Party's unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of South Africa's electoral system and ensuring that the IEC remains independent and unbiased in its operations.
