Johannesburg - Political parties registered to contest the 18 May municipal elections in Gauteng have signed a code of conduct aimed at creating a conducive environment consistent with democratic elections.
By signing the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Code of Conduct, the 11 political parties to contest the forthcoming elections in the province pledged to refrain from war talk and all acts of violence, including intimidation during their campaign trail.
The political organisations are the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), African National Congress (ANC), African People Convention (APC), Azapo, Congress of the People (Cope), Democratic Alliance (DA), Independent Democrat (ID), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), United Christian Democratic Party (UCDP), United Democratic Movement (UDM), and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+).
"We've signed the code of conduct to show our seriousness and commitment in adhering to the spirit of conducting free and fair elections," IFP spokesperson in Gauteng, Bonginkosi Dlamini, said, with the PAC's head of elections, Apa Pooe, adding: "We are committed to free and fair elections. We will never involve ourselves in political intimidation with our competitors."
ANC chairperson in the province, Paul Mashatile, said his organisation will continue to engage in a robust political campaign without intimidating other political parties, as well as refrain from creating "no go zones" for their opponents.
IEC chairperson Dr Brigalia Bam said this was a challenging period for political parties, but the good news was that in the previous elections, political organisations embraced the tradition of respecting each other and their potential voters.
She also indicated that the Commission was ready for the 18 May polls.
Gauteng provincial IEC electoral officer, Sy Mamabolo, said: "We [see] it as crucial to create a public profile for this electoral code of conduct by getting political parties seen in a public platform, pledging to be tolerant towards each other during their campaigns to get more votes. It is our hope that they will uphold this code of conduct."
Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said she was overwhelmed by the large number of new young voters in the province who registered during the final voter registration weekend. She hoped they would continue to hoist the flag of South Africa high.
Gauteng came second with the number of young voters who registered for the upcoming local government elections with 109 043, followed by Western Cape with 68 297 and Eastern Cape with 66 648. KwaZulu-Natal scored the highest number with 150 297 young voters.
Mokonyane said the smooth conduct of elections was critical and it was government's duty to assist the IEC with facilities that they need in order to execute their mandate of organising free and fair elections.
"We have accordingly made available some of our existing infrastructure, including schools and municipal facilities to enable the IEC to set up credible and accessible voting stations.
"This is in line with the fundamental constitutional imperative, which we cannot allow anyone to undermine. We will also continue to use our different communication platforms to assist the IEC with voter education."
Mokonyane further told political representatives that the IEC has set the rules and everyone was expected to conform.
"Today, we are gathering to sign the IEC code of conduct. It is a significant milestone in ensuring free and fair elections. This document provides, amongst others, the leveling of the playing field so that no party can have an unfair advantage.
"This is a pre-requisite for conducting a credible electoral process. I would therefore urge everyone to abide by the code of conduct and promote it so that more South Africans are aware of how political parties, politicians and government should conduct their activities during this period," she said.
