IEC promises ‘free and fair’ election for all parties
IEC commissioner Mosotho Moepye made this promise at the IEC pledge-signing ceremony last week.
POLOKWANE – In his keynote address at the IEC pledge-signing ceremony last week, commissioner Mosotho Moepye emphasised that although Limpopo had 69 political parties and 231 independent candidates taking part in the Local Government Elections (LGE), the province was “vast enough for everyone to campaign freely without stepping on each others’ toes”.
The event was held in preparation of the November 1 local government election, mainly to ensure that political parties abide by the IEC’s code of conduct. “As every measure undertaken in elections of this nature, there is a set of conventional principles and expectations that are considered binding all those that will participate in such an undertaking. For our current purpose it is referred to as the electoral code of conduct.”
Moepye spoke out against political violence and threats against other parties.
He says political parties are allowed to engage the pubic, erect banners and hold public debates to canvass for a party or a candidate. “Let every political party or candidate condemn anything that hinders a free and fair election. They must ensure to liaise with other parties when planning a public meeting, march or rally at the same time or place. Let me pause and say Limpopo is large enough and home to us all. They must establish efficient lines of communication with the commission and other political parties.
“All parties must also accept the results that have been declared at the end of the elections and if they do have any issues, they should take it up the legal way, Moepye said.
“Those who win an election must win deservedly and those who lose must lose with dignity. Furthermore, everyone must respect the role of the media before during and elections conducted. Reasonable steps must be taken to ensure that the rights of journalists are respected. No one may force someone to vote or not to vote for a particular candidate and there should be no display or arms or weapons at political events.”
He further emphasised that no parties are allowed to deface or remove any posters or election material by other political parties or abuse a position of power to influence outcome of the elections.
