IFP calls for calm during campaigning
THE IFP has called for tolerance among supporters of political parties during the campaigning period building up to the local government polls, decrying the recent clashes between supporters of rival parties in KwaZulu-Natal.
The call was made by Narend Singh, the party’s national campaign committee chairperson, during a media briefing at the IFP offices in Durban yesterday where he also announced the party’s readiness to contest the elections.
Singh announced that the IFP would be fielding 2 570 candidates, of which 1 376 were ward candidates and 1 192 were proportional representative candidates in 105 municipalities nationwide. He expressed the party’s worry over episodes of election-related violence that had been reported recently.
On Sunday, ANC supporters clashed with EFF supporters in Dambuza and Willowfountain near Pietermaritzburg, areas regarded as ruling party strongholds.
“There have already been media reports of scuffles between supporters of various political parties, which are of great concern. The IFP would like to call for calm, and for all South Africans to respect their fellow citizens’ constitutional right to vote, and to participate in the activities of a political party of their choosing,” said Singh.
He called on the Electoral Commission of SA to manage the elections and ensure that they were free and fair, as well as free of violence or intimidation.
Singh also appealed to all South Africans to do their part to ensure peaceful elections, not only on election day, but also during the campaign period.
The IFP’s manifesto launch is set for September 30 when the party would unveil its 10-point plan which Singh described as people-orientated and solutions-driven, and the product of extensive consultation with communities and party structures.