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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 26 Oct 2008 Title: IEC calls on political parties to abide by Code of Conduct -------------------- By Bathandwa Mbola Pretoria - The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has called on all political parties, groupings and their supporters to abide by the prescripts of the Electoral Code of Conduct. "The commission condemns all forms of political violence from whichever quarter it may come," the independent body said on Friday. The IEC's warning comes after instances of political violence, and hate speech that may lead to violence that has come to their attention. There is nothing wrong with robust electioneering, said the commission indicating that it may even increase voter turnout. Unfortunately it continued that it undertones of robust contestation turning into violent contestation are surfacing. Abiding by the Electoral Code of Conduct meant displaying tolerance towards democratic political activity, allowing free political campaigning and open public debate. "We call on those whose rights to free political activity are being infringed to use institutions created by the State to ensure that their rights are respected and promoted. The rule of law should prevail at all times." On a political level, the commission said acts of political violence should immediately be reported and be dealt with at the Party Liaison Committees of the IEC at the appropriate level and be dealt with at a special meeting of the committee. The IEC will open its 19 713 voting stations on 8 and 9 November for voter registration to enable ordinary citizens to register so that they can vote in the 2009 General Elections. "We appeal to all South African citizens to go and register, or to check their registration details," the commission said. - BuaNews |
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