The local electoral authority (IEC) said it was ready to set the playing field for political parties to race for the closure of a vacant position in ward 22.
The position became vacant after the death of ward councillor, Patrick “Dertig” Motau due to Covid-19 related complications on 13 February. With 19 May being officially declared the by-election day, the IEC said the playing field will be level for all contesting parties. “We are ready to conduct the free and fair by-elections,” it said in a statement.
While the ANC, EFF and DA have not yet finalised the process of electing their candidate in the sward, newly established Middelburg and Hendrina Residents Front (MHRF) has put their money on struggle veteran and Roma Detachment activist, Jomo Segage.
Ward 22 covers three extensions namely; Mountain View, Rockville and Chromeville. By-elections are elections used to fill an office that has become vacant between general elections. In terms of the Municipal Structures Act, 1998, the local municipal manager must declare the position vacant for the by-election to take place.
