Update

GEORGE NEWS - The PBI has submitted a request for a recount of the by-elections on 19 July to the Independent Electoral Commission. The commission has seven days to decide the matter.

Asked about the request, PBI leader Virgill Gericke said many of their party representatives inside the voting station submitted affidavits with regard to alleged discrepancies during the counting process. 

"We are also extremely concerned that the totals at our tables differed significantly from the end result after counting. This is particularly applicable to Ward 20, Borcherds," said Gericke.

"The PBI regards the election of councillors as a very serious process. Political parties, and in particular smaller parties, spend a lot of money and resources to fight a fair and just election. We do not imply that officials of the IEC have made themselves guilty of any act of dishonesty. 

"We also do not imply that the elections have been rigged. It is however the responsibility of political parties, together with the IEC, to prevent a situation where the outcome of our elections may be in jeopardy because of human error. 

"The law has made provision for a recount in order to eradicate any form of possible corrupt or fraudulent practices. The PBI is therefore hopeful that the request for a recount will be granted."

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