Political parties and independent candidates contesting the 2024 National and Provincial Elections have signed the Electoral Commission’s Code of Conduct committing to abide by the set of rules that are meant to ensure free and fair elections.
The General Elections will be held on 29 May to elect a new National Assembly as well as the provincial legislatures.
This will be the seventh general election held in the democratic dispensation since the end of the apartheid era in 1994.
In total, 325 political parties will be taking part in this year’s elections.
In his keynote address at the signing ceremony held in Midrand, Gauteng recently Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson Mosotho Moepya said violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct can cast doubt on the legitimacy of election results, and lead to disputes and legal challenges.
“By complying with the code, political parties help to ensure that election outcomes are accepted as legitimate by all stakeholders, thereby contributing to political stability and social cohesion,” Moepya said.
He explained that with freedom comes great responsibility. The Constitution affords political parties, independent candidates and citizens the freedom to contest elections for public office.
“Today's signing ceremony holds profound significance, as the country witnesses leaders of parties represented in the National Party Liaison Committee publicly pledge to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct for the forthcoming elections,” Moepya said.
Rules and regulations
He added that beyond adherence to the code, political parties, independent candidates and citizens alike must actively promote awareness of the code's purpose and support efforts to educate voters.
According to Moepya, behaviours, such as inciting violence, intimidation, spreading false information or abusing positions of power, are strictly prohibited and must be met with swift accountability measures.
“We know that political violence and intimidation can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and deter citizens from exercising their right to vote. By complying with the code, political parties help prevent such incidents and contribute to a peaceful electoral environment.
“The Electoral Code of Conduct also aims to ensure that all political parties and candidates have equal opportunities to campaign and communicate their messages to voters,” Moepya said.
30 Years of Democracy
Sy Mamabolo, the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer, said as the country commemorates the 30th anniversary of democracy, it is vital to reflect on one of its abiding successes.
“We stand before South Africa and her people to affirm our readiness to conduct an election that accords with the constitutional yardsticks and international norms.
“We give this affirmation of readiness, alive to the enormity of the challenge that rests on our hands. We stand ready to assiduously ensure that we do not let the motherland down otherwise history will have a deleterious account of our charge of this task,” he said.
Most political parties had expressed their delight in taking part in the signing ceremony.
Sizwe Ummah Nation (SUN) party representative, Mondli Thulani Ncayiyane, commended the signing ceremony.
“The Electoral Commission has done a splendid job by coming up with the Code of Conduct committing political parties to, among other things, denounce violence during the election period.
“As a party, we support the initiative and we hope that this is going to ensure peaceful elections in our country,” Ncayiyane said.
Echoing the same sentiments was Inayet Hussain Hassen from the Allied Movement for Change, who praised the IEC for the good work they have done in a bid to ensure peaceful elections.
“We are aware that it is not going to be easy for the voters as the ballot paper is going to be a big one, but we hope everything will be under control.
“The IEC has a good track record for conducting elections. We are confident that all the other political parties are going to uphold the Code of Conduct,” Hassen said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in February that South Africa will head to the polls on 29 May 2024 for the General National and Provincial Elections. – SAnews.gov.za
For more information about the elections visit www.elections.org.za
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