electoral code of conduct and the responsibility of political parties
3 February 2009
The Constitution of the Republic recognises universal adult suffrage, a
national common voters roll and multi-party system of democratic government as
founding values of democracy. To that end the Constitution enjoins us to
premise participation in the political process on mutual respect, tolerance and
recognition of the rights of participating political parties. The Electoral
Code of Conduct is enacted as part of the Electoral Act (Act 73 of 1998) in
order to create electoral conditions consistent with the values of the
constitution.
After 15 years of democracy and three general elections there are still
signs and incidents of political intolerance that are inimical to the
Constitutional order. Such incidents of intolerance are likely to be more
pronounced in an environment of intense political contestation. By most
accounts the general elections in 2009 will witness heightened levels of
contestations.
It is against this background that the Electoral Commission in Gauteng has
convened a seminar whose focus will be on cultivating conduct favourable to the
holding of truly free and fair elections. The apex of the seminar will be a
public pledge by political parties, committing themselves, their candidates and
supporters to uphold and comply with the electoral code of conduct.
Details of the seminar are as follows:
Date: 11 to 12 February 2009
Venue: Kopanong Hotel and Conference Centre, 243 Glen Gory Road, Benoni
Time: 12h00
Enquiries:
Solly Kganyago
Tel 011 644 7422
Cell: 082 5686122
E-mail: kganyagos@elections.org.za
Issued by: Independent Electoral Commission
3 February 2009
