By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the Independent Electoral Commission’s ability to oversee free and fair elections.
Ramaphosa’s remarks came on the same day as the IEC’s announcement that it would approach the Constitutional Court over the Jacob Zuma matter.
The IEC wants clarity on the Electoral Court’s ruling which allowed the former president to appear on the ballot despite his criminal record.
He delivered a keynote address at a fundraising gala dinner at Gallagher Convention Center at Midrand on Friday night.
“As we mark 30 years in democracy, we are preparing for the seventh election process. Our elections since 1994 have always been sucessful and demonstrate the will of the people of South Africa
“They have always been run independently by the IEC, which has been diligent, professional and independently run elections through the lengths and breaths of our country.
“We wish them well once again, that they will do a great job for the seventh time,” said Ramaphosa.
The IEC has come under scrutiny by the newly formed MK party, which is endorsed by Zuma.
It has accused the commission’s Janet Love of being biased in favour of the ANC since the MK party announced it would be contesting the general elections.
Ramaphosa has also acknowledged that while the ANC had the vision for South Africa, it could have done better.
“The election is an opportunity to turn our reflections on the future direction of the country into reality,” Ramaphosa said.
“We have an opportunity as the people of South Africa to decide which path we choose, and which political party has both the commitment as well as the capacity to walk this path that they must take.
“As a robust democracy, our election process is always accompanied by noise, many voices, many views, as it should be, as well as many choices.
“This should never dishearten us, because we are a democracy seethed in the will of the people of South Africa.
“But if one looks beyond the noise, what stand out is the vision, experience and capabilities of the ANC,” added Ramaphosa.
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Video Courtesy of MYANC.