The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) confirmed that Mandela Jacob Boy Mamabolo’s attempt to register a political party was unsuccessful.
The controversial former African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament (MP) attempted to launch the party, Mandela for President.
Several reasons, including non-compliance, were cited as causes for the IEC’s rejection.
MORE REASONS FOR UNSUCCESSFUL DEREGISTRATION
The IEC said the party failed to meet the required threshold of registered voter signatures for registration. It also suggested that the name, Mandela for President, and the green and black colours could mislead voters into believing the party is associated with former President Nelson Mandela.
In addition, the commission also shared that he claimed his name is Mandela Jacob Boy Mamabolo. However, registration records only list him as Jacob Boy Mamabolo. Inconsistencies between submitted documents and official records were also listed.
MAMABOLO’S CONTROVERSIAL PAST COMES BACK TO BITE HIM
The news has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users supporting the IEC’s decision. Some argued that South Africa already has too many political parties. Meanwhile, others questioned Mamabolo’s suitability to lead, citing his controversial political history.
Often described as a rival to Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, Mamabolo has frequently made headlines for the wrong reasons. Earlier this year, he was suspended from the ANC after attacking fellow party member Onnica Moloi on social media, accusing her of using unethical tactics to advance her career.
Meanwhile, on 15 July, Mamabolo was legally prohibited from posting or sharing any images or videos of Polokwane mayor John Mpe and his family online.
In a separate incident during the 2020 State of the Nation Address, Mamabolo publicly accused Malema of assaulting his spouse. He later retracted the claim on social media, issuing an apology and admitting it was inappropriate to raise the matter in public.
SHOULD THE PROCESS OF REGISTERING NEW POLITICAL PARTIES BE MORE STRINGENT?
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