The Islamic State of Africa (ISA), a non-profit organisation, is contending with what it describes as systemic bias in democratic processes after the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) struck the its' appeal to register as a political party off the roll. 

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) rejected ISA’s application on three grounds: 

The party failed to meet the threshold of prescribed details of registered voters supporting the party’s formation. The prescribed details are full names and signatures of 300 registered voters.

The application notice was published in a newspaper circulated only in parts of the municipal area (eThekwini Municipality), which is insufficient to alert all relevant persons in the geographic area of the party’s application.

The CEO received over 200 objections from individuals and organisations arguing that the constitution of ISA espouses “the intention to develop policies based on Sharia law”. Objectors argue that part of ISA’s constitution is “antithetical to the secular and inclusive nature of the principles underpinning the South African constitutional order and registering ISA would cause serious offence to a section of the population”.

ISA administrator Rev Ethan Ramkuar said that after careful consideration and deliberation with organisation founder Farhad Hoomer and the executive, 'it is sad that in a democracy, a person who has a vision using God’s law cannot fulfil their duty'.

“It’s noted that the IEC argued there were over 200 objections; strangely enough, when gay marriages were passed, abortion was passed, and just recently the surname saga passed that a man can take the wife’s surname, did the state institutions even look at what the people of the country want and was it in the best interest of the people?” Ramkuar asked. 

“We speak of democracy, but yet throughout all these above laws passed, the opinion of the majority Christian population was not considered, but ironically, for a party that wants to make a difference, objections were taken seriously.” 

He said the ACDP openly calls for the death penalty, something contrary to our Constitution and yet they are still a party.

"The ACDP, being a Christian party, and funded by certain people who have interest, seem to also be anti our Constitution but allowed to practice.”

He also questioned why the ISA is not given the same opportunity. Obviously, it is a case of double standards.

Earlier, ISA noted the IEC’s decision dismissing its appeal. It said it respects the process but disagrees with the judgment.

“The Islamic State of Africa non-profit organisation applied to be a political party and was rejected. We are not backing down, we are consulting our leaders and executive, including our attorneys. We are deliberating on whether to approach the High Court or other possible ways forward,” Ramkuar said. 

He said South Africa’s democracy allows for the challenging of decisions by any institution if they feel the need to, and also allows the courts to decide. 

The US Treasury sanctioned South Africa-based ISIS organisers and financial facilitators, saying that between 2017 and 2018, Hoomer led a Durban-based ISIS cell, using his assets to support its activities, recruit members, and communicate with ISIS-DRC and local supporters. He raised over one million rand through kidnap-for-ransom and extortion. In 2018, South African authorities arrested Hoomer and associates for plotting to use incendiary devices near a mosque and commercial buildings.

Hoomer and 18 associates were arrested on October 5, 2018, for murder, attempted murder, and possessing an explosive device found at their Reservoir Hills residence. The case was struck off the court roll on July 13, 2020, due to incomplete police investigations and insurmountable challenges with evidence reliability and admissibility, preventing re-enrollment.

On June 25, 2021, Crime Intelligence eThekwini Inner South obtained and executed a search warrant in Mayville, Durban, to recover items from a Scottsburgh house robbery. At the Mayville warehouse, Hoomer and others were arrested after jewellery, firearms, and ammunition were found. They appeared in court on June 28, 2021, but the case was withdrawn on July 5, 2021, due to inadmissible evidence and witness credibility issues.

*This article was first published by IOL News