IEC warns politicians

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday July 10, 2014 15:06

 

“Our expectation following this historic achievement is that political parties and independent candidates will still subscribe and adhere to the said Code of Conduct. Parties must of necessity apply the code internally and abide by conflict resolutions informed by the code,” said Seeletso.

He stated that the Code of Conduct outlaws weapons at political rallies, meetings, marches, motorcades or demonstrations. The code requires party rallies, marches or demonstrations taking place at the same time to be held at least 500m away from each other. He said motorcades should strictly not pass through other parties’ rallies.

The IEC boss warned politicians, especially speakers at rallies that they should not use abusive language or words which might incite violence. Seeletso said party members and supporters should refrain from disrupting rallies, meetings, marches, motorcades or demonstrations.

“Party members and their supporters should not obstruct other people and the media from attending and participating in political rallies of other parties. Parties should ensure that media workers are not harassed, intimidated, threatened or assaulted by their officials or supporters,” he warned.

Seeletso said the commission has challenges like the high rate of voter applications for transfers. “The numbers are phenomenal. The reasons advanced to justify the transfers in most cases suggest voter trafficking. The commission wishes to appeal to candidates and political parties to desist from encouraging ill-informed transfers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the last voters’ roll from the supplementary registration held between May 1-18 is available for public inspection. Seeletso said the public is allowed to inspect the roll from June 24-July 14 when it will be certified.

He said all the rolls from the three registration exercises conducted so far await amalgamation after the issuance of the election writ. Poll staff will be recruited next month in readiness for training in September.