‘Error’ could cost NFP poll spot

AN APPARENT R90 000 “administrative error” could cost the National Freedom Party (NFP) a shot at the August 3 municipal elections.

Failure to participate in the elections would be an ironic twist for a party that made its electoral debut at the last municipal elections in 2011.

The NFP was formed when senior party leaders‚ led by Zanele Magwaza-Msibi‚ broke away from the IFP in 2011.

Announcing the number of parties and candidates contesting the August 3 elections‚ the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) yesterday said the NFP court matter‚ among other things‚ could see the number change. So far 200 political parties and 61 014 candidates are contesting.

“The electoral commission is aware of at least one party which has approached the Electoral Court to overturn its disqualification for non-payment‚” IEC chief electoral officer Mosotho Moepya said in Pretoria.

However‚ the resolution of final candidate and party lists needs to happen urgently as the printing of ballot papers commences on Monday.

On Tuesday‚ KwaZulu-Natal IEC head Mawethu Mosery announced that the NFP would be barred from taking part in the poll as it had failed to pay the R90 000 deposit that is a prerequisite for participation.

NFP party leaders blame this on oversight or an administrative error and they are pleading with the Election Court to reconsider its position.

But others within the party see this move as yet another plot to embarrass Magwaza-Msibi‚ who is recovering from a stroke she suffered in 2014.