Nelson Mandela, president of the African National Congress (ANC), dismissed proposals by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to defer elections in the Empangeni region, Natal (now KwaZulu-Natal). In its report, the IEC raised concerns over the volatile situation, which could render elections not free and fair in Empangeni. Minister of Constitutional Development and Communications Roelf Meyer supported Mandela in saying that deferment was not a viable option as it would create constitutional problems as well as worsen political tensions. Source: Keesing's Record of World Events, News Digest for April, p. 39942.