IEC warns political parties

THE Electoral Commission of SA has encouraged parties and candidates to speak out against political violence and/ or threats to incite violence.

Commission spokesperson, Kate Bapela, said parties needed to let the authorities know about planned political marches or rallies.

She also encouraged them to work with the police in any election crime or violence matters.

Parties have also been told to accept the results of the election or to challenge the results in court.

The electoral code of conduct, Bapela said, contained a list of prohibited conduct, including the use of languages which provoked violence or intimidation of candidates or voters and publishing false information about other candidates or parties.

“Carrying arms or weapons at political meetings, marches or rallies, as well as generally abusing a position of power, privilege or influence to influence the outcome of an election is also prohibited,” she said.

According to the commission, any person who breached the code of conduct was guilty of a criminal offence and could be fined or sent to prison for up to 10 years.

Political parties that breach the code can be fined up to R200 000, have to give up the party’s election deposit, have their votes in an area cancelled and can have their party registration cancelled.

They will also be stopped from working in an area.

If you suspect that a party or a candidate has breached the electoral code of conduct, report the incident to the electoral court.

◆ The secretary of the court can be

contacted at 051 412 7400.