DA wants to protect IEC from ‘bullying’

Johannesburg - DA leader Mmusi Maimane on Sunday pledged to help the IEC cope with the ANC's alleged "bullying" following this year's local government elections.

He would ask to meet Independent Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) leaders to address these threats, he said in a statement.

He wanted to help ensure the IEC remained independent and protected from “malicious political interference”.

City Press reported on Sunday that senior ANC officials allegedly criticized the IEC following the party's loss of support in several metros during the August 3 local government elections.

The IEC and the ANC's top five officials met for talks at Luthuli House last week.

At a post-election results dinner on August 6, ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe and his deputy Jessie Duarte allegedly accused IEC vice-chairperson Terry Tselane of being an "enemy".

The ANC was reportedly upset about the IEC's decision to cut down on the number of teachers being appointed as electoral officers during the elections. Many teachers are members of the ANC-aligned SA Democratic Teachers' Union.

Mantashe denied any tensions between his party and the IEC.