Bad idea for IEC to appeal Zuma case, says electoral expert

Johnathan Paoli

AN electoral expert has warned of disastrous consequences for its credibility and integrity if the Independent Electoral Commission goes ahead with intentions to appeal the decision by the Electoral Court to include former President Jacob Zuma on the ballot list

Executive Chair of the Institute of Election Management Services Terry Tselane said on Thursday that it would be ill-advised for the commission to proceed, considering all the dynamics involved in this unique case.

Tselane said their appeal would indicate that they had taken a position regarding the matter – especially considering that even the objector themselves did not appear in the Electoral Court – leaving their neutrality questionable.

“It is not their matter, it is not their issue, they are not the ones objecting, and therefore, for them to pursue this issue, they will be seen to have taken a position in relation to this matter,” Tselane said.