Political parties to sign Electoral Code of Conduct ahead of elections
Leaders of all political parties represented in the National Assembly will sign the Electoral Code of Conduct in Midrand on Monday.
The Electoral Code of Conduct is contained in the Electoral Act and binds all parties contesting elections.
The signing comes days after the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State accused members of the African National Congress (ANC) of defacing its posters, an act prohibited by the Code of Conduct.
The Act also prohibits, amongst others, language that incites violence and the intimidation of candidates and voters.
#Elections2016 The code exists to ensure that all elections are free and fair. SM pic.twitter.com/ABHushoewy
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) May 16, 2016
All parties, candidates and their agents must adhere to the code. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to R200 000 or a 10 year prison sentence.
More lenient consequences include disqualification of a party or candidate.
#Election2016 The signing of the electoral code of conduct is taking place at the Gallagher Convention Centre. SM pic.twitter.com/1zTlIgk76v
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) May 16, 2016
The 2016 Local Government Elections will be held on 3 August 2016.