The DA welcomed Parliament’s rejection of Glen Mashinini as IEC Commissioner.

According to a recent statement by Angel Khanyile, DA Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, the DA has been very clear in their objection to extend Mashinini’s term as Electoral Commissioner due to the many failings of the IEC under his watch.

Khanyile said there has been an unprecedented decline in voter turnout during his term of three million since 2016.

“Numerous reports have highlighted the apathy under young South Africans to vote, yet the IEC does not have a tangible plan to attract them.

“The registration of people aged between 18 to 35 keeps declining each and every election.”

According to her, the above, coupled with the serious concerns with the voters roll over several elections, indicate that the IEC leadership does not have the competence or political will to ensure free and fair elections in South Africa.

During the local government elections in 2021, multitudes of voters did not appear on the voters roll, despite registering in time, many were registered in the wrong voting district, or their names were moved to different wards without notification.

“Given the myriad of serious problem that remain unaddressed despite assurances to the parliamentary portfolio committee on home affairs, it is no wonder that trust in the IEC has declined from 69% in 2014 to 36% in 2021.

“There’s been lack of accountability within the IEC – issues of irregular conduct by some of IEC presiding officers remain unresolved and nothing is being done to address the various issues raised.

“Under Mashinini’s watch, the IEC failed its most basic mandate to manage voter registration and elections in such a way that every person entitled to be registered and vote can do so.”

Khanyile concluded by saying the DA welcomed the victory of democracy over cadre deployment.

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