Political parties, Chapter 9 institutions, faith-based organisations, civil society, and non-governmental organisations will get an opportunity to engage on the topic of participating in free and fair elections when the IEC hosts a national summit on Thursday.

The IEC will host the National Summit on the 2011 Municipal Elections at the Sandton Convention Centre as part of its preparations for the municipal elections.

The gathering is aimed at highlighting the importance of holding the municipal elections in an environment conducive to free and fair elections.

A debate by 13 political parties on their role in promoting electoral democracy will be broadcast live on SABC 2 between 14:00 and 15:00.

Represented parties include the African Christian Democratic Party, African National Congress, African People’s Convention, Azanian People’s Organisation, Congress of the People, Democratic Alliance, Independent Democrats, Inkatha Freedom Party, Minority Front, Pan Africanist Congress, United Christian Democratic Party, United Democratic Movement and Vryheidsfront Plus.

IEC chairperson Dr Brigalia Bam, IEC Commissioner Terry Tselane and IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Mosotho Moepya are expected to address the summit earlier in the day.

The elections are expected to be held between March and May 2011. A pronouncement by government on the date is expected soon.

– BuaNews