THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION MUST ACT SWIFTLY TO REVERSE THE CREDIBILITY CRISIS CAUSED BY “RIVERSIDE GATE” Since the adoption of our constitution, the Chapter 9 institutions have played a pivotal role to safeguard constitutional values and to instill trust in our constitutional democracy. These institutions, by virtue of section181 of the constitution are independent and accountable only to the National Assembly. The Offices of the Public Protector and the Electoral Commission have always been above reproach and both institutions generally enjoy the trust and goodwill of most South Africans. When the Public Protector today found the conduct of Adv. Pansy Tlakula and her executive to be "grossly irregular" and in violation of the IEC’s own policies, it caused serious damage to the perception that our electoral commission is always acting strictly in terms of the law. The Public Protector’s finding that the IEC was in contravention of procurement rules when they secured new accommodation in Centurion is a serious indictment against the institution. It would have been ideal if the Public Protector afforded Adv. Tlakula the standard 24-hour period to study the findings contained in the report before it was made public. It will be in the best interest of both institutions to refrain from mudslinging about the late submission of the report, but rather to focus on the speedy implementation of the remedial action. The Congress of the People is hopeful that the reputational damage to the IEC will soon be resolved. South Africans are within their right to expect that the IEC will always respect the law and maintain their impartiality at all times, particularly during the election next year. Issued by: J.J. Abrie Acting Head of Communication Congress of the People 6th Floor, Metropolitan Building 108 Fox Street, Marshalltown Johannesburg Tel: 0839975133
Posted on: Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:17:46 +0000
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