The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and political parties have signed the electoral code of conduct ahead of the Local Government Elections on 1 November.
The 325 registered parties contesting the
municipal polls have pledged to abide by all rules and regulations set out by
the IEC.
Commission chairperson, Glen Mashinini, said
that even under the difficult circumstances brought on by COVID-19 pandemic,
they were ready for next month.
Meanwhile, over 12 000 candidate certificates
were issued across municipalities in the Western Cape. Addition to this, sample
ballot papers that signifies the commitment to the election process - in
compliance with the rules of the contest, have been signed off by contesting
parties.
“The ballots give symbolic life to the right to
vote, and to be voted for. It also affirms that we are not cherry-picking which
part of this right is important, because participation is based on our founding
values of our Constitution that includes multi-party democracy” said Michael
Hendrickse, Western Cape’s Electoral Officer.
He added that the issuing of the candidate
certificates is a demonstration of the commitment that candidates make to their
communities that they stand ready to contest and if elected, to hold office,
and to serve, both as candidate and elected official. He also stated that the
pledge, signifies to the public and in particular the voters, that they are
willing to be held accountable to a fair contest.
Done By: Mitchum George
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