IEC won't be intimidated by threats of violence- Mamabolo

The warning comes after Umkhonto Wesizwe Party’s youth league leader Bonginkosi Khanyile threatened "to declare war" if the IEC removes former president Jacob Zuma or the party from the ballot.

Speaking to the National Press Club on Thursday evening, Mamabolo said the commission will use the election's code of conduct. 

The newly established party announced Zuma as their official presidential candidate for the May 29 elections, even though he is ineligible to stand die to his criminal record. 

The ANC has also taken the MK Party to court over its logo and name. 

"You may be aware of threats by this one or the other electoral contestants, those contestants need to be aware that the electoral code of conduct now takes effect and should there be repeat offences, it will leave the commission with no choose but to pursue enforcement procedures in the Electoral Court," Mamabolo said. 

"The second point is that leaders of political parties must exercise mature leadership and realise that there is a certain standard leadership expected on the part of all role players."

Mamabolo moved to assure South Africans that the commission will discharge its duties without fear of intimidation.

"Quite frankly, the commission is not intimidated by the insinuations of violence that may be visited upon South Africans. Of course the commission is concerned for the safety of all citizens and that nothing happens to people on the day of voting, but the commission doesn't feel intimidated in any ways.

The commission assures South Africans that it will exercise its duty without any fear of threats," he said.