Experts Applaud IEC’s Move to Block Radical ISA Party

IEC draws a firm line as experts warn: “This party isn’t about democracy”

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) made headlines this week after refusing to register the Islamic State of Africa (ISA) as a political party and for good reason, say legal and security experts.

While fringe parties surface with each election cycle, ISA sparked immediate concern for its links to extremism and open rejection of democratic values. Experts are now calling the IEC’s decision a necessary step to protect South Africa’s hard-won constitutional democracy.

A party out of step with South African values

On paper, ISA was denied registration because it failed to meet technical requirements, such as collecting 300 verified signatures and adequately publicizing its application. But that’s only part of the story.

More than 200 individuals and organizations formally objected to ISA’s application, pointing to its proposed policies rooted in Sharia law and the dangerous ideology of its leader, Farhad Hoomer. For context, Hoomer is no ordinary political figure, he’s been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for his alleged ties to terrorism.

Hussein Solomon, a political analyst from the University of the Free State, minced no words: “This is not just a religiously inspired party. It promotes a militant Islamist agenda totally incompatible with South Africa’s secular, inclusive constitution.”

From “tyranny” to terror links, ISA raises red flags

Hoomer’s own words have raised eyebrows. He has publicly condemned democracy as “evil” and “a form of enslavement”, statements that leave many wondering why he’d want to engage in democratic elections at all.

Experts argue that Hoomer’s intention is less about winning votes and more about using the political system as a platform to spread his radical views.

“He’s not interested in building a better South Africa,” said Willem Els, terrorism expert at the Institute for Security Studies. “He’s looking for a microphone.”

Els also reminded the public that the Islamic State, whose name this party directly mimics is a designated terrorist group under United Nations sanctions. “If South Africa gave ISA political legitimacy, it would send the wrong message internationally and undermine our democratic credibility.”

Not all religious parties are created equal

South Africa has a long tradition of faith-based political parties, including the African Christian Democratic Party and several Muslim-affiliated ones. But experts stress that ISA cannot be grouped with these.

“Other Muslim parties operate within the rules of the game,” said political analyst André Duvenhage. “ISA seeks to rewrite the rules altogether.”

According to Duvenhage, democracy is built on negotiation, participation and constitutional rights, values that fundamentalism outright rejects. “ISA’s ideology is not about coexistence. It’s about control.”

Social media says: “Well done, IEC”

Public sentiment online appears to support the IEC’s decision. South Africans across Twitter and Facebook applauded the move, calling it a “win for democracy” and a “necessary stand against extremism.”

One user posted, “This isn’t about religion. It’s about protecting our peace. You don’t invite wolves into your house.”

A dangerous precedent avoided, for now

While ISA has 30 days to appeal the IEC’s decision, legal experts doubt its application will survive a deeper scrutiny—especially with so many red flags already raised.

The bigger question is how South Africa will respond to rising ideological extremism in the future. For now, the IEC’s rejection of ISA is being seen not as censorship, but as a vote in favor of peace, unity and the rule of law.

In a country with a painful history of political division, allowing a group with violent, anti-democratic leanings into the electoral arena could’ve been a step backwards. Instead, the IEC and the experts backing it chose to safeguard the path forward.

{Source: The Citizen}

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