Douglas election results remain withheld after 100 ballots destroyed
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on SABC News
South Africa's independent electoral commission is withholding the results of the municipal election in Douglas after 100 ballots were destroyed during counting. A revote will have to take place, while five suspects arrested by the Hawks will appear before the Douglas Magistrate's Court on Monday, according to SABC News.
The South African Electoral Commission (IEC) has decided to withhold the results of the local municipal election in Douglas, in the Northern Cape province, until a revote is held, after 100 ballots were destroyed during counting, according to SABC News. The ballots were destroyed on Thursday 5 November at Bongani Community Hall, where counting had been interrupted.
Supporters of a political party allegedly stormed the counting venue after a dispute over the ballots, while the premises were allegedly vandalised by a party leader and his supporters, according to SABC News. Five suspects were arrested by the Hawks, the South African police's investigative unit, and are due to appear on Monday before the Douglas Magistrate's Court.
The Hawks' provincial spokesperson, Tebogo Thebe, said the suspects face charges related to the Municipal Electoral Act, damage to the ballots and community centre, as well as assault and intimidation, according to SABC News.
