Johannesburg - Thirty-three political parties signed the Electoral Commission of SA's (IEC) code of conduct pledge on Wednesday.
“The code of conduct lays out the rules of the game,” IEC chairwoman Pansy Tlakula said at the signing ceremony in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.
“The code is binding for the political parties and South Africans during this period.”
Tlakula said 33 parties intended contesting the May 7 general elections.
“Three of them are yet to comply (with the requirements), they may be ruled out before the elections. Parties still have until March 24 to submit outstanding (submissions).”
Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille, Congress of the People leader Mosiuoa Lekota, and African National Congress secretary general Gwede Mantashe were among those present to sign the pledge on behalf of their parties.
Patriotic Alliance secretary-general Kenny Kunene and Economic Freedom Fighters national co-ordinator Mpho Ramakatsa were also present.
Tlakula said the number of political parties had grown since the country's first democratic elections in 1994.
“There were 19 parties in 1994 and 21 in 2004. Contesting parties have their work cut out for them. It remains your responsibility to explain the code of conduct to your supporters.” - Sapa