AU observer mission roots for IEC total control

They told the media yesterday that it is not always fair for government to be in control of elections looking at the fact that the ruling party is also a player in the process. The head of the mission Dr Brigalia Bam - chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa - said in some African countries, it is the electoral commissions that announce the date of elections to avoid a situation where the ruling party only sets the date when it is convenient for it.

She said prescribing the date in the constitution may be problematic since it can become difficult to postpone elections when there are problems with preparations. She said that after arriving in the country a few days ago, they have had a briefing with the IEC, attended political rallies and met with civil society organisations. "Upon arrival, the mission began to acquaint itself with the electoral process and observed final stages of political campaigns by the various political parties ahead of the polls," Bam said.