The

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newly established party of former Economic Freedom Fighters’ MP Andile Mngxitama will not be allowed to contest this year’s municipal elections.

According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)‚ Mngxitama only registered his party‚ Black First‚ Land First‚ last week on Friday.

“In order for a party to be registered‚ a notice needs to be published in the government gazette. The notice must lie for 14 days before the Chief Electoral Officer can consider the application‚” said IEC spokesperson Sy Mamabolo.

The notice must include the party’s name and its distinguishing emblem. Once the notice is filed‚ the IEC checks that the party’s emblem and name do not resemble that of existing political parties‚ Mamabolo added.

“Mr Mngxitama only published the notice on the 27th (May) and the 14 days lapses on the 10th of June. Unfortunately‚ he cannot submit his party’s candidate list. That is the law‚” Mamabolo said.

Mamabolo said Mngxitama’s party was not banned and would be registered on June 10.

Speaking to Radio 702‚ Mngxitama said he was not aware why his party was unable to take part in the August 3 local government elections.

“I wish we knew. All we know is that it’s a political decision by the Electoral Commission to exclude us‚” Mngxitama said.

TimesLive