The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in Mpumalanga urges protesters not to engage in action that will interrupt the voting process. Eligible voters are expected to cast the ballots on the 8th of May 2019 during the sixth National and Provincial elections.
MEC for Cogta, Mr Speed Mashilo says any protest action that infringes on the rights of voters will be deemed illegal. This follows reports of protests in some areas in Mpumalanga, which affected the IEC to conduct the special votes, ahead of the general voting day on Wednesday. “The right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic. However, this must be done within the armbits of the law. Therefore action must be taken against people who abuse their Constitutional rights. We call upon law enforcement agencies to act harshly against people whose action impede the rights of voters not to cast their ballots,” Mr Mashilo warned.
Some of the protesters cited lack of service delivery such as water in areas such as Acornhoek and Pilgrim’s Rest. Mr Mashilo says lack of water in Mpumalanga is being addressed and urged communities in affacted areas to excersize patience. “Lack of water has been raised during IDP consultation processes in our municipalities. This matter is receiving the attention that it deserves, notwithstanding limited financial resources. However, this cannot be used as an excuse to prevent voters not to cast the ballots. We urge communities to report any action deemed an impediment towards their rights to vote, so that law enforcement agencies can deal with such. We call on all voters to participate in the elections to deepen democracy,” Mr Mashilo said.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa
Contact Numbers: 013 766 6572 / 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za
Twitter: @cogtamp
Facebook: @mpucogta