South African political parties contesting the November 4 local government elections have committed to peaceful campaigns, signing the Electoral Code of Conduct at a ceremony. The code aims to ensure equal opportunities for all 136,790 candidates to campaign without unfair distortion, attacks, or violence. Party leaders, including ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini, and DA leader Solly Msimanga, were among those who signed the code.
IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya emphasized the importance of the code, stating it is not an "archaic legal formality" but a binding contract with the people of South Africa. He warned that violations would distort the electoral playing field and undermine constitutional equality. Moepya also highlighted a recent voter participation survey, which revealed declining trust in democracy and widespread public scepticism, painting a "sobering empirical reality" of the state of South Africa's democracy.
The survey, conducted independently with the Human Sciences Research Council, showed that citizens are demanding a more responsive and accountable democracy. Moepya stated that the findings cannot be ignored and that the elections will be held against this backdrop. The Electoral Code of Conduct is therefore more relevant and urgent than ever, aiming to restore trust and build institutional integrity.
Party leaders echoed the commission's call for peaceful campaigning. Mbalula stated that the ANC will campaign vigorously but within the law, respecting the rights of voters, candidates, and political parties. He rejected violence, intimidation, lies, and disinformation, emphasizing that voters should make their choices freely based on facts.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said his party signed the code because democracy is bigger than any individual party or candidate. He emphasized that political competition must remain vigorous and free from violence, with parties presenting plans to fix municipalities in a way that persuades residents to vote. Mashaba also stressed that there is no room for intimidation, violence, or deliberate spreading of false information.
EFF secretary-general Marshall Dlamini committed to peaceful elections, calling on members to treat voters with respect and dignity. However, he also warned that law enforcement agencies must remain impartial and protect everyone during the elections. Dlamini ended his address with the EFF's slogan for the election: "Victory or death" on November 4, while also promoting the party's October 31 rally at Orlando Stadium.
The signing of the Electoral Code of Conduct is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring a peaceful and fair election. Moepya emphasized that the code is a commitment to confronting public disillusionment and demonstrating that democracy can be responsive, clean, and accountable. The November 4 local government elections will be a test of the country's democratic process, with parties aiming to restore trust and build institutional integrity.
Key points
- The Electoral Code of Conduct aims to ensure equal opportunities for all 136,790 candidates to campaign without unfair distortion, attacks, or violence.
- A recent voter participation survey revealed declining trust in democracy and widespread public scepticism, painting a "sobering empirical reality" of the state of South Africa's democracy.
- Party leaders have committed to peaceful campaigns, rejecting violence, intimidation, lies, and disinformation, and emphasizing the importance of vigorous but respectful political competition.
