THE political parties set to contest this year’s national and provincial elections have vowed to uphold the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) Code of Conduct while campaigning in the run up to the 8 May polls.

Party leaders  took turns pledging to respect the code of conduct during an event at the Gallagher Estate in Midrand earlier this week.

Addressing delegates, IEC chairperson Glen Mashinini said the assurance of a free and fair election was the responsibility of every South African and not just the IEC.

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He added that the code of conduct was in place to promote conditions that are conducive to free and fair elections, characterised by tolerance among political parties.

The rules of the conduct, among others, requires that parties speak against political violence and threats against other parties, the IEC members and members of the public and the media. It also requires that parties alert authorities of planned marches and rallies.

They are also expected to accept election results or challenge them in court. The code prohibits the use of language that provokes violence, intimidation of candidates or voters.

It also prohibits the publishing of false information about other parties and their candidates. The plagiarising of party symbols, name or acronym as well as the destroying, defacing or removal of posters of other parties is also not allowed.

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