Electoral Court orders IEC to remove EFF candidate's name from ballot

Judge Modiba Shongwe delivered the judgment in Bloemfontein on Friday. He said forcing someone to stand for public office against their wishes could undermine their dignity. In the judgment he said: "The EFF cannot coerce the applicant without his consent to stand for office as ward candidate against his will".

Tshikila is a former EFF member and a local leader in KwaMaqoma, in the Eastern Cape. He said he had already left the party when it submitted his name. He also said he never signed a nomination form or gave permission to use his name, and he believes the documents were submitted fraudulently.

Tshikila said he found out on September 16 that he was standing for a party he no longer belonged to. EFF Eastern Cape regional coordinator Veronica Mente gave a different account. She said the person accepted the nomination but withdrew after the period for changes with the IEC had closed. She also said party records show his membership was active.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) must make sure voters cannot cast ballots for him. IEC deputy head of communications David Mandaha is the commission's spokesperson on the matter.