THE KZN uThungulu District Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) invited political parties to the signing in adherence of the Constitution and code of conduct during the election period.
‘It is a Constitutional mandate of the IEC that all elections are conducted in an environment conducive to free and fair electoral processes,’ said IEC Regional Supervisor uThungulu District Thule Dlamini.
‘The signing is in accordance to the Electoral Act of 1998. The purpose of the ceremony is to provide a platform for political parties to publicly declare their intent to exercise tolerance among one another as well as encourage their candidates and members to do the same to have a peaceful election in our province,’ said Dlamini.
‘It is imperative all party agents behave appropriately and in a respectable manner and not deface posters of opposition parties and the like. You are gunning for leadership, behave like leaders,’ said IEC eShowe Official Sipho Mkhize.
‘The term expires on 22 April, elections are on 7 May, and the IEC has a 90-day period to conduct the elections. Our district voters roll number is currently 452617,’ said Dlamini.
‘In uThungulu, we have 544 voting stations along with 544 presiding officers and deputies. Our staff training began on 5 March and is expected to conclude at the end of April’
‘Our target of trained officials is 1 752 and we will designate three officials per voting station. Party Agents and SAPS members will also undergo training,’ explained Dlamini.
‘When there are a high number of people registered to vote; we subsequently erect municipal voting centres. In our district, we have done so at three municipalities, namely; uMhlathuze, Ntambanana and uMfolozi’
‘People who are registered, but will be unable to vote on 7 May, are urged to apply for special voting between 7 April and 17 April which will take place at designated voting stations on 5 and 6 May.’
‘We are on par with our plans and preparations,’ concluded Dlamini.
Voting stations will be open from 7am to 9pm on 7 May.
