IEC official relieved of her duties after viral special vote campaigning scandal
IEC presiding officer has been relieved of her duties after videos show election staff conducting home visits while transporting political party members.
On <date>, an Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) presiding officer based in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, has been removed from her position following allegations of misconduct during the special voting process. According to the <source>, the official was found transporting party agents in an IEC vehicle, who were distributing party t-shirts to her as they made home visits.
This violation of protocol, coupled with widespread social media backlash and formal complaints from political parties, led to the decision to relieve her of her duties.
United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa widely shared video footage of the incident on social media, demanding action from election authorities. He encouraged the IEC to expel the official, stating that her actions were damaging the integrity of the electoral process. Holomisa later confirmed the official's removal, expressing satisfaction with the decision.
IEC regulations stipulate that while party agents can observe proceedings, electoral staff must maintain complete impartiality, and political campaigning or intimidation should not be allowed within or near designated voting areas. Additionally, party agents are prohibited from carrying official election material, wearing party-branded clothing, or traveling in the same vehicles as electoral staff.
The IEC has emphasized that any staff member who compromises the integrity or neutrality of the voting process will face immediate dismissal and possible legal action under the Electoral Act.
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