Political leaders were the most responsible for ensuring peace and stability prevailed before, during and after elections, a member of the African Union-established Panel of the Wise said on Thursday.

Speaking to the media at Election House in Pretoria, Salim Ahmed Salim said that during his four-day visit he had met with political leaders including African National Congress president Jacob Zuma, and leaders of the Inkatha Freedom Party.

He said they had all expressed their desire to campaign and hold elections without any violence.

"The most important role [in the elections] is that of the political leaders," he said, adding that it was incumbent on them to ensure their members and sympathisers acted in a manner that maintained the parties' reputation and prestige.

Referring to recent clashes between the two parties in KwaZulu-Natal, Salim said: "I don't think incidents of that nature are helpful at all."

However he was certain that the elections themselves would be devoid of any violence.

"I am very optimistic that the elections will be peaceful. That does not mean there won't be incidents [but] I am convinced. I take the words of the political leaders very seriously."

Salim has also shared recommendations and suggestions for the upcoming elections with the Independent Electoral Commission, which said these were "extremely helpful".

IEC chair Brigalia Bam said key issues discussed included improving transparency and how better to improve impartiality among the IEC officials.

She said Salim had also highlighted the importance of the South
African elections to the people of the continent and the rest of the world.

"The people of the continent are watching us, we are accountable not only to the voters, but to the people of the continent and the world at large," said Bam.

Salim reiterated that South Africa was seen as a beacon of hope to the continent and therefore it was absolutely vital that the elections were free, fair and transparent.