Results dashboard outage leaves parties hot under the collar

May 31, 2024 77

The IEC has refuted claims that the organisation’s results dashboard crashed this morning.

The system went offline at 8.12am, causing panic among South Africans.

The page, which had previously been showing results from more than 50% of polling stations, showed the vote count as 0% complete.

Apologising for this, IEC CEO, Sy Mamabolo, told journalists that the interruption was just a technical glitch that didn’t compromise any data nor interrupt results capturing and collation.

His remarks come amid anger from various political parties who feel more needs to be done to ensure that there was no foul play.

The EFF says the “crash” of the IEC’s results dashboard warrants thorough investigation to ensure transparency and integrity in the commission.

ActionSA has also raised concern over the system’s brief outage.

[MEDIA STATEMENT]

UPDATE ON THE PUBLIC FACING NPE SYSTEM pic.twitter.com/5xp1GDqqg9

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) May 31, 2024

While the IEC has assured the public that no data was compromised, the EFF says the crashing of its systems highlights the Commissions inability to safeguard democracy.

EFF Statement On The Crash Of The IEC Results Dashboard pic.twitter.com/2Oyra8XYdb

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) May 31, 2024

The Injenje yabeNguni Council, which is aligned with the MK Party, has also weighed in, accusing the commission of gross incompetence.

In a statement, says the council says manner in which the elections have been managed by the IEC has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that it is by far not a free and fair election.

Speaking to YNews, Indunankulu Phumlani kaMfeka, says the list of issues that its supporters shared with them regarding their experience at the polls leave much to be desired.

DA leader, John Steenhuisen, has joined calls for the IEC to be held accountable.

Steenhuisen says the commission has been a disaster this election, just like in the last.

This incident, according to the DA further highlights the IEC’s inability to be better prepared for the polls, which the party says was evident in the issues such as voter management devices, and long queues.

Speaking to reporters at the National Operations Results Center in Midrand, Steenhuisen, says he is considering possible legal avenues, as the commission might have possibly cost them votes.

The IFP’s Mkhuleko Hlengwa agrees with his peers.

He says even election day was marred by mass dissatisfaction from voters and other parties.

Regular South Africans on social media have also criticised the commission.

The IEC better sort that glitch out, something is off here and we can actually see what’s going on.

— Pabalaentle Seoketsa (@pabalaentle_) May 31, 2024

The IEC website has a glitch, trust me when I say it’s gonna come back with ANC at 52%🤣#Electionsresult #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/qIFJiCsa6L

— Real_Feminist💅 (@teboho23336) May 31, 2024