Political parties and independent candidates contesting KwaZulu-Natal’s November local government elections are signing the National Electoral Code of Conduct in Durban on Tuesday.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says 101 political parties and 104 independent candidates will contest the elections across all 54 municipalities in the province.
However, representatives of 17 political parties are taking part in Tuesday’s signing ceremony, as these parties will contest elections across KwaZulu-Natal.
The ceremony is being held at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban and is aimed at reinforcing commitments to peaceful and democratic elections, while addressing concerns around political violence, intimidation and disinformation.
IEC KwaZulu-Natal Head of Elections Ntombifuthi Masinga says the signing gives political leaders an opportunity to publicly commit to peaceful, fair and democratic participation in the elections.
The pledge also incorporates the IEC’s new provisions on countering disinformation. The commission recently introduced additional requirements for political parties, candidates and supporters regarding the publication and distribution of potentially false or misleading information.
Masinga says the Electoral Code of Conduct sets out the standards expected of all contestants during the election period, with consequences for those who breach the rules.
The signing comes ahead of the 4 November local government elections, with political parties and candidates required to adhere to the code as they campaign and participate in the electoral process.