Political party representatives and independent candidates have signed a pledge committing to abide by the electoral code of conduct, respect one another, and promote tolerance in the campaign space.

The pledge signing was hosted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Thursday, April 4.

Addressing political party representatives and other stakeholders at the signing ceremony, Chief Election Officer Sy Mamabolo says the event was of high importance as contestants publicly pledged to adhere to the electoral code of conduct.

“Today, we stand before South Africa and her people to affirm our readiness to conduct an election that accords with constitutional yardsticks and international norms. We give this affirmation of readiness alive to the enormity of the challenge that rests on our hands. We stand ready to assiduously ensure that we do not let Motherland down, for otherwise history will have a deleterious account of our charge of this task,”says Mamabolo.

He added that they have grown the network of voting stations to 23,292, and that, as part of their readiness, they will publish a list of all voting stations and their locations next Friday.

Mamabolo further indicated that prohibited behaviors such as violence incitement and spreading false information must be swiftly addressed with accountability measures.

South African voters will head to the polls on May 29 to elect provincial and national representatives, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) facing its stiffest test since the end of apartheid in 1994.