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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Voters in George will be able to vote in the Local Government Elections on 1 November for representatives of at least 20 political parties and one independent candidate.

Representatives of the different parties are gathering this afternoon (Friday 1 October) at the George Town Hall to sign the Electoral Code of Conduct. 

Parties will be binding their PR and Ward candidates, as well as office-bearers and members of political parties.

The Electoral Code of Conduct requires all registered parties and candidates to adhere to certain standards of behaviour, specifically during the campaigning period. 

The meeting is closed to the media.  

Members of some of the different parties told the George Herald shortly before the start of the meeting that they are optimistic about the election.

In an earlier statement, the IEC (Electoral Commission of South Africa) said the Electoral Code of Conduct is intended to produce a political context that is conducive to free and fair elections, fostering acceptance of democratic political activity, encouraging free political campaigning and stimulating open debate on pertinent social, economic and political issues.

The Electoral Code of Conduct describes 'prohibited conduct' as statements that in any way incite violence, or result in the persecution of any candidates or voters. The code restrains political parties or candidates from disseminating false or defamatory allegations directed at candidates and representatives of political parties. It also places an embargo on individuals or groups in passing off symbols, colours or acronyms of other registered political parties as their own.

The aim is to lower the likelihood of electoral violence that would ultimately undermine stable elections and democracy.

The code further stipulates that no person or political party may offer any inducement or reward that could influence political party identification or allegiance; nor infringe on the freedom of association of individuals in attending and participating in public meetings or political events.

It further outlaws the use or display of weapons during political meetings, demonstrations, rallies or public political events, and safeguards people's right of access to other people for the purposes of voter education, soliciting support for any political party or candidate, accumulating funds and so on.

The code also disallows any person or party from interfering with the electoral campaign and marketing strategies of other parties, by prohibiting the vandalism or removal of banners, posters, advertisements or any other materials used by political parties or candidates.

Ultimately, the code forbids any political party or person from misusing a position of power or influence to alter the regulation or end result of an election.

Any political party or person found to be in breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct may be subjected to penalties and fines determined by the Electoral Court. Depending on the severity of the violation, the Electoral Court reserves the right to issue a formal warning or fine to any value below R200 000, or to bar any political party or individual from making use of public media to promote its political objectives, and from distributing electoral adverts and pamphlets, among others, as well as disqualifying a candidate or cancelling the registration of a party.

The purpose of the Electoral Code of Conduct is to provide clear guidance for acceptable behaviour by all the key actors participating in the electoral processes. This is seen as instrumental in yielding credible, free and fair elections, and ensuring a public commitment to fair play from all parties.

* Complaints of infringements can be submitted to codeofconduct@elections.org.za. The Commission will investigate the complaint and should action be warranted, the matter will be escalated to the Electoral Court or the Commission will advise on other appropriated responses.

Some of the members of different political parties shortly before the start of the meeting. With them is also an independent candidate.

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