It is a crime to deface or illegally remove election posters. The Western Cape Electoral Commission (IEC) says anyone who commits this crime must report it to the police.
Next month, South Africa is set to hold its most competitive elections since the dawn of democracy.
Election posters are placed to allow free campaigning and promote free and fair elections.
The R27 poster is facing the sea. Others are folded into poles to hide some of the contestant's information.
Michael Hendricks, IEC's provincial electoral officer for the Western Cape, said: “Posters are part of campaigning during election periods, and anyone who defaces or illegally removes political party posters during this period is a criminal offense.'' That's why the law says it's a crime.” Because I think that just goes against the environment that fosters political movements. Therefore, as IEC, we call on everyone, not just political parties, to continue displaying posters where they belong. ”
Removing or defacing posters is against democracy. The IEC says if this is intentional, violators must face the law.
“According to our laws, this is a crime. Just like anything else, if you see someone doing something wrong, go to the police and report it. They are the ones who investigate. I think we have the authority to do that,” Hendrix added.
Perpetrators and potential perpetrators should ask themselves whether they are willing to risk arrest or imprisonment for defacing, removing or defacing election posters.
