ELECTIONS: 52 parties to contest nationally

Staff reporter

Jo’burg – There will be a total of 52 political parties contesting the 2024 national elections, that’s according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Thursday.

The Alliance of Citizens for Change (ACC) led by former Democratic Alliance (DA) speaker in Western Cape, Masizole Mnqasela is top of the ballot paper many say if you are on top it’s an advantage. The rest of the ballot papers will be alphabetical.

With at least 27 million registered voters, there will be 23,000 voting stations, and for the very first time since democracy, the IEC will have 3 ballot papers, previously they had two but now have 3; national, provincial, and regional mainly for independent candidates.

Visibility and campaigning from the ruling party are very minimal compared to the previous elections and many attribute the arrests of individuals and companies charged with corruption for funding ANC and its leaders.

The ANC has recently settled R102 million it owed to Ezulweni Investment.

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), Judge Trevor Gorven said the party’s version that it had no contract with Ezulweni Investments was “utterly untenable”.

DENIAL

“The denials of the ANC fall into the category of bald, uncreditworthy denials designed to create fictitious disputes of fact,” said the judge. The court had also refused an application by the ANC to lead further evidence during its appeal in the form of a forensic report, ostensibly done by EMS Forensics into the procurement.

The denials of the ANC fall into the category of bald, uncreditworthy denials designed to create fictitious disputes of fact.

In refusing to consider this, Judge Gorven said the report itself was not put up but only an executive summary and it was unsigned and undated. It referred to a Whatsapp message indicating that the company and the ANC’s representatives could “make millions” out of the deal. Judge Gorven said this had not been presented as evidence when the matter came before the two lower courts.

This and the fact that the State Capture Inquiry exposed companies linked to the ANC drove any potential funders away.

The ANC despite having state resources to provide services which in turn can be used to demonstrate they do care at least, can’t do near minimum.

Everything under the ANC has collapsed in the 30 years of democracy and the blame goes straight into history, apartheid.

Roads, Housing, Garbage collection, water, terrify hikes and unemployment are sky rocketing.

All 52 parties have signed the code of conduct and we believe the elections will be free and fair.

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