Zuma calls for free and fair elections

President Jacob Zuma addresses the National House of Traditional Leaders held at Tshwane Council Chambers in Pretoria on 7 April 2016

JOHANNESBURG – President Jacob Zuma on Monday told political party leaders that no preference will be given to any party in the run up to the 2016 local elections.

“We look forward to successful elections on 3 August, and I can add that no preference or advantage will be given to anyone over another person as we look ahead to these election,” Zuma said at the signing of the Independent Electoral Commission of SA (IEC) code of conduct by political parties in Johannesburg.

Zuma was responding to African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) leader Kenneth Meshoe, who appealed to the IEC and the state broadcaster, the SABC, to ensure that no party is favoured over another during campaigning.

“As you can see, the ANC brought its big gun today [Zuma], so we make a plea to the SABC to ensure that the playing fields are levelled when it comes to coverage. Let there be tolerance and fairness,” said Meshoe.

Thirteen parties represented in Parliament signed the code of conduct, affirming their commitment to adhering to the rules governing elections during this year’s highly contested local government elections.

Here are the parties that will be signing the IEC electoral code of conduct. pic.twitter.com/pkhHPrG58G
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) May 16, 2016

These political parties will publicly pledge to uphold the IEC code of conduct. pic.twitter.com/DyaERnhMIo
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) May 16, 2016

Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane said the IEC should reinforce its role as the custodians of free and fair elections.

“We are in a political dispensation where state machinery and patronage are used to influence communities. I invite the international community to ensure free and fair elections by the will of the people, and not that of food parcels.”

Representatives of the Economic Freedom Fighters, United Democratic Movement, the Freedom Front Plus, the African Independent Congress, Pan Africanist Congress, Inkatha Freedom Party, National Freedom Party and the African People’s Convention, Congress of the People and Agang SA also signed the pledge to abide by the IEC code of conduct.