NMU endorses SRC poll despite low voter turnout

Nelson Mandela University has endorsed the SRC election results even though the voter turnout fell slightly short of the 25% minimum voter threshold.

Sasco won six out of nine seats, Daso two and the EFF Student Command a single seat.

DA-aligned Daso is unhappy with the way last week’s election was run, citing serious procedural flaws.

In a statement, Daso Eastern Cape constituency leader Hlomela Bucwa said: “It was very clear that the Independent Elections Facilitators of South Africa, appointed by NMU to manage the election, was biased towards the ANCaligned Sasco.

“The election threshold was also not met. The constitutional threshold is 25%.”

The electoral body’s chief electoral officer, Wesley Maringa, said the allegations were unfounded.

“I am shocked about these allegations because they signed off that they accept the results.”

NMU spokesperson Zandile Mbabela said: “As far as the university is concerned, there were challenges that were raised and subsequently resolved at voting stations through engagements with the relevant parties.”

Mbabela said the university had moved to endorse the results in accordance with section 13.6, subsection 2, of the Electoral Procedure.

Only full-time students were eligible to vote and about 24.14% of students actually cast their ballots.

EFF Student Command presidential candidate Mzukisi Mnotoza said it had initially intended to dispute the results, but decided to accept them though it was not happy with the administration of the poll.

“Voting stations opened and closed late, favouring those with resources to move voters around,” Mnotoza said.