Parties sign election code of conduct

NO political party or its members will be allowed to intimidate the opposition during this year’s presidential and general elections.

A code of conduct signed by all parties that will participate in the November elections stipulates that all allegations of intimidation and other unlawful conduct should be brought to the attention of the Police and the Directorate of Elections at the places where they occur.’An essential part of free and fair elections is freedom of political campaigning. Everyone has the right to express his or her political convictions and ideas, without threat or fear of intimidation. Freedom of political campaigning, however, also carries responsibilities which include the freedom of others to express their own and independent opinion,’ the code of conduct states.It says no weapon of any kind may be taken to any political rally, meeting, march or any other demonstration.All parties should avoid holding their gatherings close to one another at the same time of the day to avoid conflicts.The parties also undertook to refrain from using public address systems, either fixed or mobile, between 21h00 and 07h00 because it may constitute a public nuisance.The code of conduct says speakers at political rallies may not use language that incites violence in any form against any other person or group of persons.Parties may not issue pamphlets, newsletters or posters containing materials which incite people to violence.The code of conduct bars party members and supporters from disrupting other parties’ rallies, meetings, marches or demonstrations and from obstructing others from attending political rallies held by other parties, or destroying their campaign material.It urges all leaders to ensure reasonable freedom of access by all parties to potential voters, including those at farms and on state-owned property after work hours.The parties agreed to establish lines of communication to one another at headquarters and regional and local level and to appoint liaison personnel who will be constantly on call to deal with any problems that may arise.Designated members will attend their parties’ rallies to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct while the leaders will issue directives to their members and supporters to observe it, and take necessary steps to ensure compliance.The parties have also undertaken not to ‘disfigure the environment’ with their advertising and propaganda materials.christof@namibian.com.na