South Africa's local election campaigns marred by violence, intimidation

-- Rising levels of violence and intimidation are characterising political and campaign activities ahead of the 2016 local elections, the Independent Electoral Commision (IEC) said on Wednesday.

Incidents of what appear to be politically-motivated murders, assaults and other forms of intimidation of candidates have been reported across a number of provinces including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal. Mpumalanga and the North West over the past few days, the IEC said.

The IEC issued the statement as violent protests in Pretoria went into their third day. Protesters went on a looting rampage, burned houses and torched buses.

Roads leading to several violence-stricken townships were barricaded with stones, tree branches and rocks.

The protests were sparked by a decision by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to place Thoko Didiza as its mayoral candidate for Pretoria to replace current mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa in the upcoming elections, scheduled for August 3.

In other cities like Durban, similar protests over mayoral candidates have also taken place over the past few days.

The IEC condemns in the strongest possible terms all unlawful conduct and any behaviour which contravenes the Electoral Code of Conduct and undermines the democratic process of free and fair elections, IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela said.

Violence, intimidation, destruction of property and intolerance have no place in a country with a Constitution based on respect for human rights, the rule of law and democracy, said Bapela.

"That some of these acts are being carried out under the guise of 'defending democratic processes' is all the more shameful and incongruent with our democracy," he said.

The IEC calls on all political leaders and candidates to speak out strongly against any conduct which undermines the conditions conducive to free and fair elections and especially the involvement of any of their members and supporters in such actions, Bapela said.

Political leaders, he said, are ultimately responsible for the conduct of their supporters and members.

The IEC also reminds all political parties, candidates and voters that infringements of the Code of Conduct carry severe penalties including disqualification from elections.

Any criminal conduct may lead to prosecution and penalties including fines and jail terms, said Bapela. 

source : xinhua