IFP’s Umhlathuze by-election victory cements party’s growth - analyst
The Inkatha Freedom Party's by-election win in Umhlathuze is a sign the party is poised for further growth during next year's elections.
That's the view of political analyst Thobani Zikalala.
The IFP's has taken Ward 13 from the ANC following Wednesday’s poll, receiving 53,38% of the votes.
New councillor Sibusiso Ndunakazi steps into the role following the resignation of ANC councillor Lindokuhle Ndlovu in July after surviving a second assassination attempt.
READ: IFP condemns attack on Umhlathuze councillor
Zikalala says the win for the IFP over the hotly contested ward can be credited to its refined approach to strategy.
"I think it’s how the IFP has reorganised itself, especially post the 2019 elections when it was evident that they had been losing much of the support.
"Of course, the reorganising of its leadership, a much more agile leadership, and much more focused and pointed approach in how to get the young voter involved in the process of election and in voting."
The Independent Electoral Commission put voter turnout at the Umhlathuze by-election at 64%.
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