RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP VITAL AS POLLS LOOM

THE spectre of political intolerance has loomed large in recent days with political leaders making incendiary and inflammatory comments that suggest that the days leading up to the May 29 elections will be fraught with tension.

It is understandable that the upcoming elections will be highly competitive and there is a majority consensus that this is good for democracy.

However, the pain of violence and conflict, especially in KwaZulu-Natal during the 1980s and the early ’90s, is still fresh and the onus is on contemporary politicians to temper their emotions with responsibility and understanding of how their comments can add to the volatile nature of an election campaign.

Recent events in Zululand reveal that maturity is needed, especially when displays of petulance can have far graver consequences than intended.

It is hoped that the ANC and IFP will meet and engage after a public incident on Saturday between Economic Development MEC and ANC regional chairperson Siboniso Duma, and Zulu Traditional Prime Minister and senior IFP leader Thulasizwe Buthelezi.

This is believed to have resulted in an physical altercation between IFP and ANC supporters.

This led leaders of the party at a national level to call for calm and tolerance and this message must be reciprocated by provincial leaders.

Political parties have called on the Electoral Commission of South Africa to bring forward the signing of the electoral code of conduct – usually done a few weeks before an election – because of volatility ahead of the ballot.

The South African Council of Churches has also announced that it will hold a national day of prayer on May 5 to “bring the nation together in a moment of earnestness, praying for a peaceful election process, underpinned by integrity and free of intimidation”.

In the country’s first democratic elections of 1994, over 80% of the registered voting population turned up to vote, but this has dropped significantly with the 2021 municipal elections recording a 45.89% voter turnout.

Voters are expected to turn up in their numbers for this election and they deserve to exercise their right in an environment that is free, fair and conducive to such a significant moment in democratic history.