All parties contesting wards in the Greater Knysna District in the upcoming municipal elections were invited to the ceremony for the signing of the Electoral Code of Conduct. Representatives of five parties and one independent candidate were invited.
Representatives of the following parties signed the pledge and committed their parties and supporters to abide by the spirit of the code:
- African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP).
- African National Congress (ANC).
- Congress of the People (COPE).
- Democratic Alliance/Demokratiese Alliansie (DA).
- Cape Party (CP).
- Independent (Ntombizanele Sopeki).
The party representatives signed a document in which they recognise that South Africa is a democratic and constitutional state premised on the principles of regular elections and multi-partyism.
They further noted free and fair elections as the only legitimate basis from which the authority to govern is derived.
They acknowledged that they were obliged to observe all provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct, which is binding on those participating parties, their candidates, members and supporters.
The leaders pledged, amongst others, to lead their parties in a manner that would reinforce a culture of tolerance towards all other parties contesting elections.
The pledge further implored party leaders to desist from using speech or from participating in actions which would have the effect of provoking either parties’ supporter or members of the general public to commit acts of intolerance or take other inflammatory actions.
ARTICLE: FRAN KIRSTEN
