Ntuli warns political violence threatens free and fair elections

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has warned that political violence and killings could jeopardize the integrity of the upcoming local government elections. He emphasized the need to recognize these acts for what they truly are - criminal acts. Ntuli made these remarks during a gathering of the Multi-Party Political Intervention Committee, which aims to foster political tolerance and constructive dialogue.

The meeting was convened in response to a series of recent incidents, including the killings of councilors and candidates, and clashes surrounding an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) rally.

Ntuli stressed that elections marred by intimidation and fear cannot be considered free and fair. He asserted that any act of killing, threatening, or intimidating another person for political motives is pure criminality, regardless of the motive or the political party involved. He stressed that such criminal acts should not be tolerated or glorified using political language.

Hotspots for political violence and killings in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in the eThekwini and Ugu Districts, have been identified by police. Between January and September, nine politically motivated murders and attempted murders were recorded in the province. Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Thulani Gonya announced that additional officers would be deployed to these high-risk areas. He also appealed to political parties not to incite violence.

Gonya assured the attendees that the police team conducting investigations into these political cases is diligent and making every effort to connect the dots. He expressed confidence that some arrests will be made soon.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has cautioned that voter turnout may decline in the absence of a peaceful environment for the elections. IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Mawethu Mosery cautioned political parties to contribute to creating a peaceful atmosphere for the elections. He explained that voter participation in elections is influenced by their perception of the election environment.

When the environment is not peaceful, voter turnout tends to be low, which Mosery believes is a matter of concern. She emphasized the responsibility of political parties to help create a peaceful environment for the elections in the province to ensure a healthy voting process.