Mpho Dagada's aspirations for a parliamentary seat have been dashed as the Electoral Court rejects Arise South Africa's appeal. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of controversy and accusations of unlawful exclusion from the national ballot.
Arise South Africa, led by entrepreneur and motivational speaker Mpho Dagada, found its hopes shattered as the Electoral Court dismissed their appeal to be reinstated on the national ballot paper. The party, which currently only features on all nine provincial ballot papers, contested their removal, alleging it was unjust.
Represented by legal heavyweight Dali Mpofu, Arise South Africa argued vehemently against their exclusion, stating they were unlawfully removed from the national ballot. However, the Electoral Court delivered a decisive blow by dismissing all five cases without providing reasons, leaving the party and its supporters in disbelief.
In a passionate response, Mpho Dagada took to social media to express his dismay and determination. Among his key points were accusations of unfair treatment and questions surrounding the timing of the court's decision. Dagada asserted that Arise South Africa had fulfilled the necessary requirements, including paying the required fees demanded by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
Dagada lamented the sacrifice made by supporters who had invested their funds and livelihoods into the party's campaigns. He criticized the IEC's decision to proceed with printing ballot papers while the matter was still unresolved in court, insinuating possible bias or premeditation in the judgment.
"We are not going to give up," Dagada declared defiantly, emphasizing their commitment to pursue legal avenues, even if it meant taking the case to the Constitutional Court. He accused unseen forces of attempting to silence Arise South Africa and questioned the motives behind their exclusion.
Drawing parallels to historical injustices, Dagada suggested a systemic problem within the governance and electoral systems of Africa. He insinuated that financial interests may be influencing political decisions, echoing sentiments of discontent among disenfranchised citizens.
Despite facing adversity, Dagada remained resolute in his mission to bring about change through democratic means. He pledged to continue fighting for the rights of Arise South Africa and its supporters, vowing to elevate the matter to the highest possible authority.
As the nation awaits further developments, the controversy surrounding Arise South Africa's exclusion raises significant questions about the integrity and transparency of South Africa's electoral process. Will justice prevail, or will Arise South Africa's journey to Parliament remain shattered? Only time will tell.
