South African Electoral Commission Faces Criticism Over Inconsistent Party Registrations

Analyst Questions Double Standards as IEC Rejects Islamic State of Africa but Allowed EFF and BLF Despite Violent Histories

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is under scrutiny after rejecting Durban businessman Farhad Hoomer’s application to register the Islamic State of Africa, citing public objections and security concerns.

Legal analyst Martin van Staden has slammed the decision as hypocritical, pointing out that the IEC previously registered the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Black First Land First (BLF), parties with records of violence and policies contradicting constitutional values.

Van Staden argues that while the IEC demands formal compliance, it overlooks substantive issues, such as BLF’s advocacy for expropriation without compensation.

The IEC’s past annulment and reinstatement of BLF’s registration in 2019-2020 further fuel the debate.

With Hoomer designated a global terrorist by the U.S. in 2022, and Julius Malema denied entry to the UK due to his “extremism,” critics question the lack of consistent standards driving the IEC’s rulings.

This is the same IEC that registered the EFF and BLF.

Somehow, despite both parties being fiercely dedicated to values that are the 180 degree opposite of constitutional values, and both being intimately associated with violence, that was allowed?

Clownish institution. https://t.co/cSHim9MF0h

— Martin van Staden (@Martin_ASFL) July 13, 2025