Johnathan Paoli
THE Independent Electoral Commission will be hosting the signing and pledge of the Electoral Code of Conduct at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Thursday, which will be endorsed by all contesting parties.
The Code outlines the rules and guidelines that political parties and candidates must adhere to during election campaigns.
The Code holds contesting parties and candidates to a set of behaviour intended to promote conditions that are conducive to free and fair elections and creating a climate of tolerance, free political campaigning, and open public debate and is in effect from the day of proclamation of an election until the announcement of results.
Political parties who participate in this formal ceremony pledge to abide by the Code and commit to maintaining a respectful and fair electoral process.
The Commission said that in terms of the Code parties and candidates must publicly state that everyone has the right to: freedom of expression, the ability to challenge and debate the beliefs and opinions of others, publish and distribute election campaign material, lawfully erect banners and posters, canvass support, recruit members, hold public meetings including traveling and attendance.
The IEC said that every party and candidate must publicly condemn any action that may undermine the free and fair conduct of elections and must accept the results of the election or challenge the result in court.
In addition, the Electoral Court has jurisdiction in respect of all electoral disputes and complaints about infringements of the Code.
The 1994 historical elections in South Africa set a precedent where contesting parties showed their ability to work together in building a democratic dispensation as we are having to this day.
The IEC has held that despite its violent past, South Africa has demonstrated its ability to engage in open debates and accommodate diverse political views.
The Commission said attendance of the signing ceremony is by invitation only.
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