POLITICAL parties have slammed the Democratic Alliance's (DA) request to the United States and other Western countries to monitor the upcoming election.
Last week, the DA wrote to the US and European Union (UN), appealing for them to help provide resources for independent domestic observers ahead of the 29 May elections.
DA said it also wants them to help with capacity building for the domestic observers after it raised concerns over the integrity of the national and provincial elections.
But this was met with backlash from other political parties, who accused the party of handing over Mzansi’s sovereignty on a silver platter.
The ANC said the DA essentially offers South Africa's sovereignty on a silver platter by requesting that “partners in democracy to engage with consequence in the run-up to the elections”.
ANC spokeswoman Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said this plea is a clear attempt to bring about a regime change disguised in opportunistic language.
“South Africa's sovereignty is not up for sale to any country, whether it be from the East or the West. The ANC-led government engages with governments around the world based on the principles of Peace and Friendship, rooted in the spirit of Ubuntu and respect for the sovereignty of all nations,” she said.
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Xiluva party said they strongly condemn the DA’s request for the US to assist with resources in the upcoming elections and afterwards.
Xiluva leader Bongani Baloyi said: “We consider this kind of possible interference in elections to be a serious violation of our sovereignty, democracy, and integrity of the electoral process, and such involvement should be stopped immediately.
“Measures must be taken to prevent any outside influence that undermines the will of the people and distorts the outcome of elections,” he said.
Baloyi said that this inconsistency undermines their credibility and raises questions about their motives and commitment to democratic principles.
“We understand and support only the role of authorised international bodies in observing elections and other electoral roles they play which helps ensure transparency and credibility in the electoral process. These are the only bodies that should be allowed to deliver on such a mandate,” he said.
