Political leaders in KwaZulu-Natal have been urged to refrain from using inflammatory language that could incite violence in the run-up to the November 4 elections. The call was made during a signing ceremony of a pledge to campaign and promote peace in the province. Leaders from various political parties, including the ANC, DA, EFF, and IFP, among others, were present at the ceremony. They were urged to avoid making statements that could be perceived as inflammatory or divisive.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has expressed concern over the potential for violence and unrest during the elections. IEC Commissioner Glen Mashinini emphasized the importance of promoting peace and stability during the electoral process. He urged citizens with concerns or grievances against the IEC to follow due process and not to undermine the institution. Mashinini also appealed to political parties to work together to promote a message of peace and stability.
The President of the Judiciary in the province, Judge Thoba Poyo-Dlwathi, also emphasized the importance of respecting institutions such as the IEC. He said that the judiciary would not hesitate to mete out punishment to those who broke the law during the elections. Judge Poyo-Dlwathi urged citizens to have faith in the institutions and to follow due process if they had concerns or grievances.
The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Thami Ntuli, preached a message of peace and unity during the ceremony. He acknowledged that the province had a history of violent politics and emphasized the need for stability and peace during the elections. Ntuli urged citizens to work together to promote peace and stability and to avoid actions that could undermine the electoral process.
According to the IEC, a total of 26,497 candidates have registered to contest the elections in the province. The candidates are vying for 2,166 seats in the provincial legislature and 111 parties are participating in the elections. A total of 17,482 males and 9,015 females have registered to contest the elections. The IEC has also reported that 921 wards are up for grabs in the province.
The IEC has expressed concern over the potential for disputes and challenges during the elections. Commissioner Khulekani Zulu urged citizens to follow due process and to respect the outcome of the elections. He emphasized that the IEC was committed to ensuring that the elections were free and fair and that the outcome was legitimate.
The signing ceremony was attended by leaders from various political parties, including the ANC, DA, EFF, IFP, SACP, and MKP, among others. The leaders pledged to promote peace and stability during the elections and to avoid making inflammatory statements that could incite violence. The IEC has welcomed the pledge and has urged citizens to support the initiative to promote peace and stability during the elections.
Key points
- The IEC has urged citizens with concerns or grievances against the commission to follow due process and not to undermine the institution.
