Law enforcement agencies in KwaZulu-Natal have called on all political parties and independent candidates in the province contesting the general election to abide by the election code of conduct. KZN's Director of Public Prosecutions Elaine Harrison said a special team had been set up to deal with election-related issues.
The province accounts for the majority of political violence in South Africa, with violence occurring during election periods when political assassinations increase.
Nationwide, 52 political parties will contest elections. There are 33 candidates registered in the state, including one independent candidate. The IEC says the pledge guarantees that political parties adhere to the code of conduct.
“A code of conduct strengthens tolerance and respect for diversity and peaceful solutions, which are essential for a healthy democracy to function and foster trust between citizens and their elected representatives.” While we recognize that political violence and intimidation can undermine the integrity of electoral processes and prevent people from exercising their right to vote, political parties' adherence to norms will help prevent such incidents and promote peace. This will help contribute to a positive electoral environment,” said IEC Chairman Mosotho Mopiya.
The state's political leaders vowed to vote peacefully.
“We are committed to promoting political tolerance. We say this because we know the eyes of the whole world are on KZN. We respect and support the Constitution of the Republic. We are committed to acting in a way that will ensure that the
“We are committed to participating in this election in good faith and accepting the results in recognition of our commitment to unity across political differences,” said Democrat Chris Pappas.
“We have ensured that all combatants understand the importance of peaceful campaigning and the do’s and don’ts during the election period. We will carry out this mission with utmost discipline. We are convinced,” said Mongezi Twala of the EFF.
The new kid on the block, the Umkhonto Wisizwe Party (MK Party), was also committed to ensuring free and fair elections.
“As we sign this Code of Conduct, we will seriously abide by its provisions and act with the full understanding that free and fair elections begin with those of us who participate in them,” MK Party said. says Nhlanhla Ngidi.
Party leaders warned that law enforcement would take a zero-tolerance approach.
“One of the things that the public prosecutor decided was that all murder-related cases related to the election would be handled by KZN's Organized Crime Unit. Therefore, the political task team that was selected to operate in KZN But we expect them to work closely with organized crime on all murder-related cases,” said Director of Public Prosecutions Elaine Harrison.
An additional 17,000 law enforcement officers will be deployed to hotspot areas across the state.
“Dear political leaders, yes, because of you we have high-risk zones, and high-risk polling places are filled with people who do not want to tolerate each other violating each other’s constitutional rights. That's why we have to increase the number of police officers at polling places to prevent crime. We have a lot of criminals who are raping, stealing, and murdering. The focus should be on those who have the right to vote, not on those who have the right to vote,” said KZN provincial secretary Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
According to the IEC, of the 27.79 million registered voters in the country, KZN has the most voters after Gauteng.
