Maimane says Electoral Code of Conduct should’ve tackled food parcels
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane said the electoral pledge‚ signed by leaders of political parties‚ falls short by ignoring two “threats” to free and fair elections. This came on Monday when political leaders gathered to sign the Electoral Code of Conduct in Midrand‚ Johannesburg.So in addition, we pledge that we will be watching very carefully to ensure that the IEC plays its proper Constitutional role. @MmusiMaimane — Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) May 16, 2016asyncMaimane said the electoral pledge signed by the parties contesting the 2016 municipal elections neglected to state that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) should be at the forefront of ensuring the elections are free and fair‚ reminding the audience that the conduct of the IEC has recently been called into question in court.He also said the pledge should have made a determination on the use of political patronage by a particular party‚ where “food parcels” are used to snatch up votes.“[The] will of the people and not the food parcels [must] determine their government‚” Maimane said.President Zuma signs the code of conduct and pledges ANC full support to the IEC @MYANCpic.twitter.com/JYvqmaI2RV— Zizi Kodwa (@zizikodwa) May 16, 2016async President Jacob Zuma‚ who signed the pledge on behalf on the African National Congress (ANC)‚ said his party pledged its full commitment to abide by all the dictates of the code of conduct.In signing the code parties agree to refrain from using language which provokes violence‚ intimidation of candidates or voters and publishing false information about other candidates or parties‚ among a list of other prohibited practices.Parties can be fined up to R200 000 for breaching the code.Zuma said no advantage would be given [to the ANC] and that all would participate in the elections as “equal parties”.The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) called on the IEC to ensure its staff is not affiliated with any party.Thirteen leaders gathered to sign the code on Monday‚ but more will join in various provinces.The elections take place on August 3. – TMG Digital..
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