GOOD Press Statement by Jonathan Cupido,
GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
13 January 2022
The GOOD party is concerned about incidents of unethical and unlawful campaigning ahead of the Ward 56 by-election in the City of Cape Town next month.
The by-election follows the resignation of Ward Councillor Hellen Jacobs, with seven political parties currently contesting in the ward.
However, it has come to our attention that one of these parties has promised rewards to residents, in return for their votes. In a recent Facebook post as part of their campaign, the Africa Restoration Alliance (ARA) promised residents that their homes would be painted if they voted for the party.
This is in complete violation of The Electoral Act 73 of 1998 Schedule 2, Election Code of Conduct (section 99) which states:
- Prohibited Conduct (2) No Person May –
(a) offer any inducement or reward to another person—
(i) to join or not to join a party;
(ii) to attend or not to attend a public meeting, march, demonstration, rally or other public political event;
(iii) to vote or not to vote, or to vote or not to vote in any particular way;
GOOD has submitted a complaint with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in light of the blatant violation of the code of conduct of elections by the ARA. The matter is also with our legal department for further investigation.
Residents should have a democratic right to choose a political party based on values and ethical leadership, and not promises of awards or returns. The ARA have also made unrealistic promises around housing despite the fact that the City has not even identified any sites for this type of development in the area.
The ARA claims to be a principled party, rooted in honesty and Christian values, yet they are openly trying to buy support with unlawful favours.
Ward 56 deserves a Ward Councillor who will represent their interests in Council guided by a party that insists on ethical leadership, dedicated to the upliftment and empowerment of all the residents we serve.
Media Enquiries:
Jonathan Cupido, GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor
Cell: 068 541 4888
Email: jonathanc@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 0733671223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za