Political Party Leaders Urged to Prevent Violence

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has emphasized the importance of
political party leaders exhibiting good conduct to avert violence ahead of South Africa’s
May 29 general elections. Deputy CEO Masego Shiburi stressed this need during
comments on the upcoming polls, widely expected to be the most hotly contested since
the end of apartheid.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) faces an uphill battle to retain its majority
amid robust opposition challenges. In this charged climate, Shiburi underscored the
IEC’s collaboration with the Electoral Court to ensure accountability.

“We are asking from the commission side for parties to act in a manner that they
restrain themselves so that their followers may not perceive statements by their party
leaders to be a call to violence,” Shiburi stated.

She added that the code of conduct for parties takes effect once elections are formally
called by the president. “It is binding on all political parties whether they sign or not. It is
binding on party supporters and binding on party officials.”

With heightened stakes and a formidable multi-party field, the IEC seeks to promote
responsible conduct by party leaders to help defuse potential tensions that could
escalate to violence during campaigning.