The United Democratic Movement (UDM) wishes to thank South Africans who took part in the 2019 national and provincial elections and in particular those who voted for the UDM and placed their trust in us.

We are surprised and disappointed at the UDM’s performance and we will have to go back to the drawing board to determine where we went wrong, with our eyes firmly on an improved result in the 2021 and 2024 elections.

We have noticed the lower percentage of voter turnout and the effect that it might have had on the election results.

The UDM definitely takes issue with the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) handling of these elections. There were far too many big mistakes on their side that negatively impacted on whether this election was indeed free and fair. In particular, the Commission’s handling of the complaints will be the final test that will make or break the IEC’s reputation and credibility.

Although many will indeed be disappointed with their results, we congratulate our colleagues in other parties who have improved on their past performance.

Our final thanks go out to the UDM’s activists on the ground who had worked themselves to a standstill. We appreciate your tireless contribution to our campaigns.

Issued by:
Mr Bantu Holomisa
UDM President