Staff ReporterThe uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, South Africa’s third-largest political party, has renewed its legal challenge against the outcome of the 29 May national and provincial elections. The party is calling for a complete rerun of the poll, citing allegations of widespread voter fraud and irregularities.
MK Party filed an application with the electoral court on Thursday, serving notice to various government bodies and political parties. The party is questioning the integrity of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)’s results system.
Having secured almost 15% of the vote nationally and 47% in KwaZulu-Natal, MK significantly impacted the ANC’s majority. The party now claims to have “incontrovertible evidence” that the elections were neither free nor fair.
The allegations include discrepancies in vote totals, excess ballots, and inconsistencies in the IEC’s reporting system. MK criticizes the IEC’s reliance on a Deloitte report, claiming it doesn’t adequately prove system integrity.
National organiser Nkosinathi Nhleko stated, “The survival of our democracy depends on lawful and credible elections.” He accused the IEC of attempting to create a “legal barrier” to prevent scrutiny of alleged irregularities.
The party is requesting an urgent hearing, arguing it’s in the public interest. MK’s challenge comes at a critical time for South African politics, with implications for the country’s democratic processes and the balance of power in key regions.
The IEC had not responded to queries at the time of reporting.
