The chairmanship of the Independent Electoral Commission has not yet been determined‚ Presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj told BD Live on Friday.

His remarks come after President Jacob Zuma appointed Vuma Mashinini as an ordinary commissioner in the IEC in terms of section six of the Electoral Commission Act.

Mr Mashinini will begin his seven years serving on the IEC from the beginning of next month.

Mr Mashinini is considered a close ally of Mr Zuma. Opposition parties have expressed misgivings over his ability to objectively lead the chapter nine institution after a tumultuous spell under former chairwoman Pansy Tlakula’s leadership.

However‚ Mr Maharaj told Business Day that the position of IEC chair remains vacant.

“He is an ordinary member and commission. Chairmanship has not yet been determined. It is not a matter of when a chair will be determined. When the president has made a decision in that regard‚ we will announce it‚” Mr Maharaj.

This follows reports that Mr Mashinini had been appointed IEC chair‚ which Mr Maharaj denied.