IEC Chairperson Welcomes Court Ruling - Now fully focuses on Final Election Preparations
Johannesburg - Saturday, 03 May 2014: Yesterday, the Electoral Court of South Africa postponed the application of the 5 political parties that sought to have the Independent Electoral Commission's (IEC), Advocate Pansy Tlakula relieved of her duties as Commissioner before the 2014 general elections. Advocate Tlakula has welcomed the court's decision to postpone the matter now to be heard on 02 June 2014. Advocate Tlakula is also pleased with decision because she can now without distractions fully focus on presiding over another free and fair election.
The postponement affords Advocate Tlakula the opportunity to be properly heard in court.
Advocate Tlakula said, "While I am relieved, I should reiterate that with less than a week to go before the May 7 polls, this is not a time to celebrate, but to continue with what I have been doing in the past months since we started preparing for the 2014 general elections - to lead my team through another credible, free and fair election in our country. South Africans both here and abroad, can rest assured of as efficient and professionally run election of significance in the 20th anniversary of our democracy".
Early in the week Advocate Talkula submitted to the court a wide-ranging affidavit where she placed on record her version of events surrounding the leasing of the IEC head office building. It increasingly became clear - based on this submission and the inquiry that the matters are a lot more substantial to be dealt with in haste and hence the postponement of the inquiry.
"I maintain that everything surrounding the lease agreement was overboard and hence I lodged an application to court to review and set aside the report of the Public Protector", further said Tlakula.
"My commitment to public service remains unwavering and I will continue to execute my duties as required by law and my mandate without fear favour or prejudice. The elections are in safe hands in the commission and will be overseen by a complete team and not any one individual. All our staff are committed to ensuring that the elections are run smoothly giving an opportunity to all South Africans to cast their votes on May 7", concluded Advocate Tlakula.
Statement issued by Advocate Pansy Tlakula, May 3 2014
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