IEC fires employee over leak of party lists

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has terminated the employment of an employee after the person was found to have leaked party candidate lists.

“Following a preliminary investigation into the allegations, the Electoral Commission can confirm that the employee’s contract of employment has been terminated,” they said in a statement yesterday.

This comes after the commission on Monday announced that it had set up an inquiry to establish the circumstances of the unauthorised circulation of party candidate lists and the person or persons responsible.

On Saturday, the IEC reported that it had become aware of lists of candidates that were being circulated on social media platforms.

At a briefing on Monday, the commission said the investigation narrowed the source of the disclosure to a workstation that had been used to generate and store reports.

Later, the said reports were deleted from the workstation.

Earlier on Monday, the workstation was secured and imaged in the presence of the staff member, whose credentials were used to generate the reports. A forensic analysis of the computer was also done.

“The official had rights to access the system and reports but was not authorised to distribute or circulate the information. The official is from one of the local offices of the commission,” the IEC said yesterday.

It added that the motive for the unauthorised circulation will be pursued as part of the ongoing investigation.

“While this incident is regrettable, our actions demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability,” said IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo.

“The commission maintains the highest level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism. Any behaviour that violates our code of conduct or undermines the credibility of the organisation cannot be tolerated.”

The IEC reiterated its commitment and readiness to deliver a credible 2024 national and provincial elections. South Africans are set to go to the polls on 29 May.