Issued by: Inter Ministerial Security Committee
On the eve of our second democratic election, the Inter Ministerial Security Committee (IMSC), meeting today at the IEC Election Results Centre, would like to assure the South African public that sufficient security arrangements are in place to ensure a safe environment which people can freeley and fairly cast their vote.
Clearly, the run-up to these elections difers substantially from the tensions prevalent in the 1994 pre-election period. There have been some incidents of violence, but generally we are experiencing a normal peaceful political process.
This is due in no small measure to the political parties and their supporters, who have been exemplary in their efforts to garner political support in a democratic and non-intimidatory manner. We would like to take this opportunity to commend them for this behaviour, and to wish them all the best of luck when the polls open on Wednesday.
The pre-election period has also been characterised by high levels of cooperation and support between the IMSC and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Provincial Governments and political parties. Over the past weeks the IMSC undertook numerous in situ visits at provincial level, in addition to biweekly meetings with the Steering Committee responsible for the coordination of intelligence and operational matters. A final meeting to coordinate security arrangmentes for election day was held with the IEC on Friday, 28 May 1999.
Intelligence and operational information has been and is being updated on a daily basis. Already 775 political gatherings, rallies and marches have been successfully secured by the security forces. A number of cases and incidents relating to the contravention of the Electoral Act and Code of Conduct have been reported to the IEC and the South African Police Service (SAPS). These are currently being investigated.
Over 100 000 security personnel have been deployed nationally. These are supported by more than 100 aircraft (both fixed wing and helicopters). However, the IMSC is confident that there would be no call for the use of this personnel, except in exceptional circumstances. It is expected that the security forces will only play a role with regard to logistical support, as the country has advanced far along the road of consolidating transformation and democracy.
In conclusion, the IMSC would like to call upon all South African citizens to participate peacefully in accordance with the law. It is forbidden to carry weapons into a polling station; to impede the rights of fellow voters and citizens, and to undermine the authority of the IEC. People who have not made use of the opportunity to register, are requested to refrain from running up at polling stations.
ISSUED BY THE INTER MINISTERIAL SECURITY COMMITTEE (IMSC)
ELECTION CENTRE, PRETORIA
31 MAY 1999