UDM wants recounts in 2 municipalities

2011-05-23 09:20

Johannesburg - The United Democratic Movement has requested a recount in two Eastern Cape municipalities, its leader Bantu Holomisa said on Monday.

"The election in these municipalities cannot therefore be deemed free and fair," Holomisa said.

He said election officials at voting stations at King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) and Mbashe municipalities did not allow party agents to see the ballot papers during the counting process.

"[Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)] counting agents refused to properly show ballot papers to party agents so that they could satisfy themselves of the clear intent of the voter.

"Instead, they had quickly turned ballot pages announcing the name of a party or a spoilt ballot; there was no way for party agents to establish the veracity of the ‘announced vote’," said Holomisa.

"We request a recount for the KSD and Mbashe municipalities."

The IEC was not immediately available to confirm that the objection had been lodged.

- SAPA