Political Parties Commit to Peaceful Polls in Northern Cape

Kimberley

– Ten political parties in the Northern Cape have signed a pledge committing to peaceful, free and fair local government elections.The signing was hosted by the Electoral Commission (IEC) yesterday at the Flamingo Hotel in Kimberley. Parties that signed include the ANC, COPE, DA, MK Party, PA, SACP, EFF, Africa Mayibuye, ATM and VF Plus.

Local government elections are the most direct link between citizens and the state, determining delivery of basic services. Communities across the Northern Cape continue to face challenges of water shortages, unemployment and housing backlogs, and many hope those elected will restore dignity and deliver justice to their wellbeing.

ANC Pledge: Compete strongly but responsibly

– ANC Provincial Secretary Deshi Ngxanga said the signing was to reaffirm commitment to democracy and the people of the Northern Cape. “As political parties, we will have different views, different programmes and different approaches. That is the nature of democracy. But our political differences must never undermine the integrity of the electoral process or the peace and stability of our communities,” he said.

He said the ANC welcomes the Code and commits to a disciplined, respectful campaign that allows voters to choose freely without intimidation, threats or violence. “Let us compete strongly, but let us compete responsibly. Let us debate ideas, policies and programmes, and leave the people to make their own choice,” Ngxanga said.

DA Pledge: Vigorously but responsibly

Lisa Schickerling of the Democratic Alliance said the Code is more than rules, but a commitment to the people that parties will compete vigorously but responsibly.  In its written pledge, the DA reaffirmed its commitment to free, fair, peaceful and credible elections, to respect the authority of the IEC, to reject violence, intimidation and disinformation, and to ensure every South African is free to support the party of their choice without fear or coercion.

Schickerling called on all parties, candidates and supporters to uphold the spirit and letter of the Code, adding that political differences are normal in a democracy, but violence, threats and intimidation are not.

SACP Pledge: Integrity and discipline for workers

SACP Provincial Secretary Dr Norman Shushu said the SACP pledges to participate with integrity, discipline and respect for the democratic process. The party committed to abide by the Code and all IEC regulations, to campaign peacefully and honestly, to focus on its manifesto for working-class and poor communities, and to avoid intimidation, violence, hate speech, personal attacks and disruption of other parties’ activities.

PA Pledge: Full support for Electoral Code and fight against disinformation

Patriotic Alliance representative Renate Benjamin said the PA pledges its full commitment and support to the Independent Electoral Commission and to align itself fully with the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct on Disinformation.In its written pledge, the PA said it commits to conducting a peaceful, respectful and lawful campaign, to telling the truth about its programme, to rejecting fake news, inflammatory language, intimidation and violence, and to respecting the rights of voters and other political parties to campaign freely without disruption.

Benjamin said the PA wants these elections to be more than just free and fair, but a new beginning to improve basic services, restore trust in local government and put the needs of communities first.

MK Party: Respect for Code and fair opportunity for all

The MK Party represented by Mary Nadeen Davids, its Elections Convener said it accepts that elections must provide every party and candidate a fair opportunity to present their programmes and seek voters’ support, and commits to conducting its campaign with discipline, responsibility and respect for the law, including respect for other parties, voters, electoral officials and institutions.

The party said the people of the Northern Cape deserve elections where they can choose freely, peacefully and without fear. It will campaign with determination in every community where it contests, engaging opponents politically through ideas and its vision for the future, and makes a solemn commitment to respect the Electoral Code of Conduct.

EFF: Constitutional commitment and peaceful campaign

EFF Deputy Provincial Secretary Fighter Francis Thulo said the EFF publicly pledges to uphold the Constitution, electoral laws and the Code of Conduct. The party commits to upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, respecting the Bill of Rights and every voter’s right to participate freely, and conducting its campaign peacefully, lawfully and democratically.

The EFF said it rejects intimidation, violence, threats, discrimination and unlawful interference, will promote truthful and responsible communication while rejecting deliberate disinformation, respect the independence and authority of the IEC, and use lawful processes to challenge decisions or results where necessary, pledging to advance its political programme through democratic participation and engagement with the people of the Northern Cape.

SAPS Deputy Provincial Commissioner Maj-Gen Luntu Ngubelanga assured parties that police are ready to ensure a safe and secure environment, while Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Mr Masego Sheburi said the Code is binding and encourages tolerance, respect, non-violence and integrity.