The Free State Provincial Electoral Officer, Jabulani Tshabalala, says all preparations to ensure that the elections are free and fair have been made. With just 26 days to the general elections, political parties and IEC personnel in the province have taken a pledge to abide by the constitution and ensure that they uphold the electorate’s code of conduct. Tshabalala confirms that all political parties have indeed signed the code of conduct and that they do not foresee any major hiccups during the elections. He notes that there has been a number of protests in the province, but does not believe they will pose a threat to the big day on May 8. 

Tshabalala’s comment on protests comes just a day after protest action in Kroonstad descended into chaos. Protestors in this town on Thursday set alight two municipal vehicles belonging to the Moqhaka Local Municipality and a post office, before torching three trucks on the R76 just out of Steynsrus, in the direction of Kroonstad.

It is believed that they were up in arms over service delivery issues, alleging they are on the receiving end of a municipality that fails to prioritise its residents, fails to appoint locals in key projects, mismanage funds and issues tenders irregularly, while the level of unemployment in the area remains high.

Tshabalala, nonetheless, highlights the province is ready for the elections and that they are conducting training with members of the SAPS and SANDF as part of their contingency plans in case there are riots or other issues during the elections.

OFM News