Interfering with IEC work is 'subverting democracy', warns Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday expressed concern at reports of some communities interfering with the work of the IEC.
Nine voting districts in the Eastern Cape were not able to open by 9 am due to community protests in parts of the province.
READ: Two arrested for ‘electoral interference’ - IEC
Ramaphosa spoke after casting his vote in Chiawelo on Wednesday.
He warned that nobody should interfere with the IEC’s work.
"We are concerned about the incidents that have been reported, incidents where the IEC has raised its concerns, but even one incident where police had to intervene by arresting those who were interfering with the work of the IEC.
"The work of the IEC should never be interfered with because when you interfere with the work of the IEC, you are really interfering with our democracy. You are trying to subvert the will of the people, and the people of South Africa should not be obstructed in any way whatsoever.
"So we are concerned and once again call on all South Africans, particularly on this day and on the day when the results will be counted and before they are announced, that all of us must abide by the prescripts of the electoral law and the constitution.
“I have full confidence in our security officers throughout the country that they are going to execute their work. They will make sure that those who seek to embark on ways that will disrupt our elections will be dealt with severely.”
Ramaphosa also moved to clarify his address to the nation on Sunday, saying it was about the readiness to hold elections and the end of the term for the sixth administration.
Various political parties complained about his Sunday night address, with some approaching the Electoral Court.
He said it will now be up to the court to pronounce on the matter.
"Some political parties have taken issue with the address I delivered. It had two components: one component was to talk about the readiness for the election, and the other component was to close the administration; the 6th administration is coming to an end, and we sought to say to South Africans, as they go to the elections should choose whatever party they want.
"A great deal of work has been done by all of us. All South Africans have been involved in pushing this country forward, and I was very careful to say all of us South Africans.
"But that is a matter that is now subject to the courts, and the less said, even by myself, the better, because in the end, our judges are the ones who will pronounce final judgements on this matter, so let’s leave it there.”
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