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.