On Sunday evening, former President Jacob Zuma and members of the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) were turned away from the election results announcement at the Midrand Results Operation Centre.
President Cyril Ramaphosa was speaking at the event when the group, arriving late, encountered a significant police presence at the main gate, preventing their entry.
Security sources indicated that forces were on high alert due to previous threats from Zuma and his party to disrupt the results announcement.
[WATCH] A tense situation is developing between uMkhonto WeSizwe members and security guards at the IEC’s results ceremony.
Mk Party members say their leader, Jacob Zuma, is outside however the security guards are refusing to open the doors since Ramaphosa is speaking. TCG pic.twitter.com/JLKSVmbRy2
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) June 2, 2024
Zuma had voiced concerns about the election process, alleging significant irregularities and accusing the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the ANC of election rigging.
On Saturday evening, he stated, “We are not going to allow the IEC to declare the election free and fair because it was not free and fair. We have lodged grievances with them, and they haven’t responded. So, until they do, they must not rush to announce the results.”
The security cluster had promised tight security to defend the gains of democracy and ensure that nothing prevented the IEC from announcing the results.
Despite the threats, the IEC’s announcement proceeded without any disruptions. The results paved the way for political leaders to start working together to form a government, as there was no outright winner.
After nearly two weeks of administering elections from all corners of the world, the IEC released the much-awaited election results in Midrand. The announcement was attended by leaders of various political parties, including President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy Paul Mashatile.
The IEC declared the election “free and fair.” Ramaphosa commended the electoral body for their work and praised South Africans for exercising their voting rights. He stated, “We have held another successful election that has been free, fair, and peaceful.
“South Africans have demonstrated that they want to be part of making this country a better place. By going to vote, the people of South Africa have taken responsibility not only for the future of themselves and their families but for the future of their country.”
Meanwhile, his daughter Duduzile Zuma took to Twitter to refute claims that Zuma was present. “President Zuma was holding meetings all day today and never attempted to attend any gathering of vote riggers!!!”
