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The
country's major political parties today committed themselves to
peaceful elections, free of politically motivated violence and
intimidation.
Represented by their respective leaders, parties signed an
electoral oath in Pretoria, pledging to spread non-violence and
political tolerance amongst their supporters before and during the
country's third general polls next month.
Raising one after the other, the leaders including Deputy President
Jacob Zuma penned down their signatures denouncing all forms of
intimidation and violence in an event witnessed by Independent
Electoral Commission top brass.
United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa, Patricia de Lille
of Independent Democrats, Pan Africanist Congress president Motsoko
Pheko, Democratic Alliance Joe Seremane were amongst those who
signed on the dotted lines.
The parties recently signed the provincial pledge in six provinces,
while Gauteng, Northern Cape and Free State are yet to conclude
theirs. Absent from today's signing were the Economic Freedom
Movement led by former student activist Majakathatha Mokoena,
Dikwankwetla Party, Ximoko Party and the Royal Loyal
Progress.
There are about 35 political parties registered to contest
provincial and national elections.
Speaking at the ceremony, Zuma, who represented the African
National Congress, said political leaders together with their
supporters had "a duty to enhance our democracy" by holding
elections in a free and fair environment. Commenting before signing
the pledge, Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said
he was signing on behalf of all his supporters, calling on them to
denounce violence and intimidation. Azapo president Mosibudi
Mangena said parties ought to reject all forms of intimidation. "We
(political leaders) have no right to violate freedoms that our
people gained themselves," he affirmed, urging leaders to refrain
from using violence as a political tool to garner votes.
Meanwhile the IEC conducted a draw of parties' positions on the
ballot paper, placing the Unemployment Movement of South Africa at
the top of colourful national ballot paper.
For provincial ballots, the Socialist Party of Azania would appear
first on the ballot in Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and
Mpumalanga.
The United Christian Democratic Party would head the ballot in Free
State, North West, Limpopo while the Cape People's Congress would
be the first in Western Cape and Northern Cape. BuaNews.
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