The IFP in KwaZulu-Natal has rejected the by-election results in Mthonjaneni following claims that some ballot papers went missing in one of the voting stations. It calls on the IEC to declare the by-election results invalid.

“The IFP wants the IEC to explain how ballot papers in one of the voting station went missing. We will lodge a formal complaint. We have been informed by a reliable source that some ballot papers went missing in the voting station where the ANC was declared a winner. The IEC must act immediately to deal with these allegations which threaten a free and fair election,” said IFP National Chairperson, Mr Blessed Gwala.

“It is a well-known fact that if the IFP was involved in this debacle by-election results would have been withheld pending an investigation. The IFP is also very concerned that state resources are being used to influence the outcome of elections. This is tantamount to voter fraud. The IEC should do everything in its power to ensure that the ANC is not allowed to buy votes,” continued Mr Gwala.

“The IFP will continue to mobilise the support of the community in the fight against the abuse of government resources by the ruling party,” concluded Mr Gwala.