Statement by Mmaphefo Matsemele on the elections process
19 June 2008
During the Inkatha Youth Brigate June 16 celebrations in KwaMashu on Monday, the leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party said, “Since 1994, when our freedom dawned, there has not been a single election in which some rigging and fraud has not taken place. It may not have happened on as large a scale as we have seen in some of our African countries, such as Nigeria, Kenya or Zimbabwe. All you can guarantee is that such shenanigans do not continue to take place during our own election next year”.
This statement is reckless and irresponsible to be made by a member of this House. It cast aspersions on the credibility of the Independent Electoral Commission and the people who lead it.
The African National Congress believes that there is a need by Members of this House first and foremost and the public in general to respect and defend the institutions of the democratic state especially those entrusted to support and defend our democracy.
I thank you!
Mmaphefo Matsemele, MP
Tel: 021 403 3693
