Political parties must ensure "unhindered public participation" during political campaigning for elections, the independent electoral commission (IEC) said on Monday.

IEC spokeswoman Kate Bapela said the commission was "concerned and dismayed by the signs of disregard for the freedom of association and the right to assemble for political campaigning, which was demonstrated in KZN [Kwazulu-Natal]."

The commission condemned the "propagation and prevalence of political intolerance and violence".

Three ANC members were shot and injured while returning from an ANC rally on Sunday while six others were pelted with stones when buses transporting ANC members were attacked.

On Monday, Baphela said political parties must uphold the principles of a mature democracy by ensuring unhindered public participation during campaigning.

The IEC "is working very hard to create and sustain an environment conducive to free and fair elections and called upon political parties to convey this important message to their supporters," she said.

The commission would deploy intervention teams to various provinces in order to assist with on-site mediation and resolution of disputes.

The commission called upon "all political leaders, party cadres, organs of the civil society and the media to work together in cultivating a spirit and environment of peace, security and tolerance".

The value of peace and tolerance among political parties cannot be overemphasised, Bapela said.

"We are a winning nation and have a track record of co-operation on matters of democracy development, let us commit to building peace, " she said.