Update

GEORGE NEWS - The Good party seeks legal advice following the Independent Electoral Commission' s rejection of their objection to the result of the George by-elections held on 18 and 19 July.

After considering Good's objections, the commission has concluded that the by-election in Wards 16, 20 and 27 was free and fair after all. Good was informed of their decision on 14 August.

Good's secretary-general, Brett Herron, said their party is consulting their attorneys on the outcome. Shortly before the by-elections took place, Good asked for a postponement. They accused the DA of voter registration fraud.

The DA maintains that no irregularities took place. In an earlier statement, their provincial leader, Tertuis Simmers, accused the Good party of being dishonest, saying they resorted to desperate attempts to derail the by-elections in George.

The IEC declined to postpone the by-elections.

Objections

"Among the irregularities listed in Good's objection to the IEC were (1) the IEC's failure to detect and investigate radical increases in the number of 'eligible' voters, and (2) high numbers of voters registered at single addresses," said Herron.

Good said their objection included affidavits signed by DA canvassers, confessing that they had been paid R300 a day to falsely register voters from Thembalethu (where no by-election was held) at addresses in wards where by-elections were taking place. 

"The re-registered Thembalethu voters were listed as living at the canvassers' address," said Herron. Herron claims that the DA conceded to this fraud having taken place: "In proceedings of the Electoral Court on the eve of the by-elections, it said it had been deceived by 'activists'."

DA's Tertuis Simmers maintains nothing underhanded took place. 

"At some stage, Brett Herron and Good should stop embarrassing themselves. There were no irregular activities, and hopefully, there will be serious consequences for false claims and affidavits. Good already lost all the wards they had. They also had several court rulings go against them in this matter, and they will continue to lose in court."

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