Johannesburg - The Independent Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) on Wednesday condemned the violence and intimidation it said has been prevalent in some of the provinces, and reminded political parties about penalties for infringing the electoral code of conduct.
“The Electoral Commission calls on all political leaders and candidates to speak out strongly against any conduct which undermines the conditions conducive to free and fair elections and especially the involvement of any of their members and supporters in such actions. Political leaders are ultimately responsible for the conduct of their supporters and members,” the organisation said.
Incidents of political killings, assaults, and intimidation of candidates, were reported in provinces such as Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the North West, the IEC said.
“The Electoral Commission condemns all unlawful conduct and any behaviour which contravenes the Electoral Code of Conduct and undermines our democratic process of free and fair elections. The Commission also reminds all political parties, candidates and voters that infringements of the Code of Conduct carry severe penalties, including disqualification from elections. Any criminal conduct may lead to prosecution and penalties, including fines and jail terms.”
Complainants were urged to inform the IEC about criminal cases and that of misconduct immediately after the opening of such cases with the police.
African News Agency