The Western Cape Government has indicated that it will oppose the postponement of the Local Government Elections. The country will head to the polls on October 27.
According to Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, the provincial government will oppose the postponement of the election because it risks setting a dangerous precedent whereby suffrage, and related rights, can be deferred and without following the correct constitutional process.
“As per the Constitution, the matter must be brought before Parliament and not the judiciary. We must ensure that our elections continue ahead as planned as this is in the best interest of our democracy,” Winde indicated.
The Provincial Minister responsible for Local Government, Anton Bredell, said further that a key component of any democracy is that one that is enshrined in your Constitution, holding regular elections and we must protect this right.
” Going against a constitutionally mandated election process – as suggested by the postponement that is being sought by the Electoral Commission – is simply not something we can take lightly as the Western Cape Government. If the election does get postponed, then at the very least, due process must be followed and the matter must be referred to Parliament,” Bredell reiterated.
Meanwhile, the application will be heard by the Constitutional Court on Friday, August 20, where the Western Cape Government will oppose the application through the Provincial Minister responsible for Local Government, in his capacity as the 10th respondent in the matter.
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Picture: Cape{town} etc gallery
