With less than 50 days left until voters take to the polls on 29 May for the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, the Independent Electoral Commission hosted over 30 political party representatives and the KwaZulu-Natal provincial leadership in a ceremony at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) to sign the code of conduct, which promotes conditions conducive to free and fair elections.
The highly contested elections will see independent candidates and political parties battle for leadership within the province and the rest of South Africa. As per Section 108a of the Electoral Act (s75MEA), the Code of Conduct states that candidates or parties will tolerate democratic political activities, free political campaigning, and open debates.
It prohibits the candidates and agents of the parties inside a voting station from engaging with voters and staff other than the presiding officer or deputy presiding officer. They cannot breach the secrecy of the ballot or touch any election materials, especially ballots and result slips.
Candidates and agents will also be prohibited from taking photos of ballots or providing false statements. The IEC indicated that any breach of these conditions would result in a fine of up to R200 000, stopping work, giving up the party’s election deposit or having their votes or party registration in an area cancelled.
All the party representatives signed the code of conduct and pledged to abide by it and ensure that the country has free and fair elections. To ensure safety at voting stations in the KZN, provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said that over 17,000 law enforcement officers will be deployed to the 4974 voting stations.
“Anyone who goes against the law will be dealt with accordingly,” said Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi.
The IEC confirmed that it is ready for the elections and hopes they will be free and fair.
