IEC: Tlakula's resignation end tumultuous time

Johannesburg - Pansy Tlakula's resignation as chairperson of the Electoral Commission signalled the end of a "particularly challenging and tumultuous period", the IEC said on Tuesday.

"The Electoral Commission has noted the resignation of Chairperson Advocate Pansy Tlakula," the Electoral Commission said in a statement.

"Her resignation opens the way for the Commission to begin closing a particularly challenging and tumultuous period in the Electoral Commission’s history and to move forward as an institution."

The commission said it hoped history would show Tlakula had "made a significant contribution to deepening electoral democracy both here and outside of South Africa during her long career at the Electoral Commission".

It expressed confidence that it had the "capability, experience and leadership within the IEC to continue to deliver free, fair and credible elections".