Oudpress. Jacob Zuma. (Photo: uMkhonto WeSizwe Party / X).
The Electoral Commission (ECC) will meet ex-pres. Jacob Zuma and a delegation from the uMkhonto weSizwe party (MKP) met in Nkandla.
Kate Bapela, spokesperson for the IEC, says the commission is currently reaching out to stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal in preparation for the election – hence the meeting with Zuma and members of his party.
The commission recently said in a presentation to the parliamentary portfolio committee on internal affairs that it is concerned about KwaZulu-Natal in the run-up to this year’s municipal elections.
Maroela Media reported earlier that the IEC has completed its voter participation survey and this survey shows that the commission still has a lot of work to do in KwaZulu-Natal to convince voters from the province to register and vote.
Bapela says the commission was on the ground in KwaZulu-Natal from 20 to 24 April to consult in preparation for the election.
Archive photo of the Zulu King, Misuzulu Zulu Zwelithini. (Photo: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP)
During that week, members of the commission met with the KwaZulu-Natal premier, Thami Ntuli, and the province’s traditional leadership, including the Zulu king, Misuzulu Zulu Zwelithini.
The commission also met with the leaders of other political parties and civil society organisations.
“These discussions provided a constructive platform to exchange views on the state of democracy, election readiness and the collective responsibility to promote a peaceful and credible election environment,” says Bapela.
Bapela says Monday’s meeting in Nkandla “builds on this inclusive approach and reflects the commission’s commitment to sustained and respectful dialogue with all key stakeholders”.
“The commission remains encouraged by the spirit of cooperation shown during its involvement in KwaZulu-Natal and will continue to work with all stakeholders for an election that is free, fair, credible and inclusive.”