Qacha’s Nek, Oct. 02 — Five urban council candidates in the recent local government elections from TJ Electoral Division (ED) have today petitioned the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) demanding re-election.
This comes after allegations that a polling station for inmates was illegally established on Thursday 28 and its results were combined with that of another voting station before counting.
The five are Mr. Motlatsi Ncholu, Mr. Mphutlane Morakane, Mr. Tholang Molalle, Mr. Seabata Lekhotla and Mr. Monare Mokhele.
Of these, three are politically affiliated to Revolution for Prosperity (RFP), Basotho Action Party (BAP) and Popular Front for Democracy (PFD) while two are independent candidates.
In an interview with the Agency, Mr. Ncholu said they want IEC to hold on to the results until they have addressed their issue.
He accused the returning officer in United LEC primary school voting station for unlawfully mixing the results with the explanation that they are doing that to hide those coming from the rehabilitation institution.
“That was wrong according to Section 9A(2). We have tabled our grievances and we are expecting an answer within seven days,” Mr. Ncholu said.
District Electoral Officer (DEO), Mrs. ‘Mateboho Matsie confirmed the petition saying she has seeked legal advice from their legal team on how to attend to this issue.
“We have to address this issue legally,” she said.
Mr. Moshe Mofuthoane of Democratic Congress (DC) won the seat they are fighting for.
Local Government Elections were held last week Friday, September 29 to elect community councillors, urban and municipal councils and these elections are held every five years.
