IEC Fires Employee Supposedly Behind ANC and MK Party’s Candidate Lists Leaks

• The Independent Electoral Commission fired the official who leaked the MK party and the African National Congress's candidate list
• The IEC found that the lists were leaked from the worker's computer and they asked the employee to motivate why they should not sack him
• This came after the two political parties' lists of who they put up as candidates became public, drawing a lot of criticism

Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, the State of the Nation Address, politician-related news and elections at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News for over seven years. Do you have a hard news story you would like to share? Email tebogo.mokwena@briefly.co.za with CA in the subject line.

JOHANNESBURG – The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has taken decisive action against an employee who leaked the candidate lists of the MK party and the African National Congress (ANC). The individual responsible has been sacked from their position.

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IEC fires employee who leaked candidates' lists

According to the IEC, the leaked documents originated from the employee's workstation and were promptly deleted afterwards. Eyewitness News reported that Sy Mamabolo, the commissioner of the IEC, confirmed the termination and emphasised that a thorough investigation into the matter is underway. Also reported by EWN, the leak of the ANC and MK Party's election candidate lists gained attention on social media on Friday, 8 March.

ANC's candidate list criticised

Criticism has mainly been directed at the ANC's candidate list due to the inclusion of members facing corruption allegations. Despite recommendations from the ANC's integrity commission to remove these members, the party's secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, defended their inclusion, asserting they are well-qualified.

Survey shows MK party could get more votes than the EFF

In a related election development, Briefly News reported that a study conducted by the Brenthurts Foundation between February and March suggests that the newly-formed MK party could garner more votes than the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

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African National Congress defends candidate list with members accused of corruption

The survey indicates a growth in support for the MK party since October, while the EFF's support has declined. Notably, over 70% of respondents expressed openness to a coalition government.

Source: Briefly News