The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) held a momentous signing ceremony of the Electoral Code of Conduct at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Thursday morning. This significant event was attended by political parties and independent candidates who will contest the highly anticipated 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
Speaking at the ceremony, IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said that the institution’s unwavering dedication to conducting quality elections had been instrumental in fostering the growth and confidence of democracy in South Africa.
Moepya urged all political parties to honour the pledge and promote peace during the elections: “As leaders, we bear the responsibility of guiding our nation towards a vision of peace and tranquillity. The rule of law is essential for the functioning of a democratic society, as it ensures equality, protects rights, limits government power, provides legal certainty, facilitates access to justice, preserves democracy, and promotes social cohesion,” he said.
As with all things South African, there was drama at the signing of the pledge.
Independent candidate Anele Mda was upset that the IEC did not use her photo when she came up to accept the pledge. “The other political parties have been having their logos there. Where is my photo? I was asked to send a photo that is going to be on the ballot. Where is it?” asked Mda. The former Congress of the People (COPE) member of parliament said she had been asked to submit her photo twice. Dr Nomsa Masuku, one of the electoral commissioners at the ceremony, apologised for the misunderstanding and assured Mda that her photo would be on the ballot.
Here’s hoping that the political parties and independents involved adhere to the code of conduct so we can have a non-violent, free and fair election.
