By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Defence Thandi Modise has warned that no incitement of violence, lawlessness, destruction of infrastructure, or barricading of roads will be tolerated during elections.
The Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security Cluster ministers briefed the media on the state of readiness for the May 29 polls.
Modise said measures have been put in place to protect voting stations during the national and provincial elections in May.
She said the measures extend to national key points and other facilities vulnerable to criminal activities.
“We have put measures in place to protect all public facilities that will be used for voting, national key points and other essential infrastructure that might be targeted by criminal elements.
Modise said that protocol has been established between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, South African Police Service (SAPS) detectives, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritise all election-related crimes.
“In addition, the Criminal Matters Amendment Act of 2015 states that any person who tempers with or damages essential infrastructure is guilty of criminal offence and can be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years if found guilty”.
She assured all voters would be safe when they cast their votes.
“During the election period, we will do everything in our power to protect all those who want to exercise their constitutional right to vote. Ensuring the safety and security of all voters is of paramount importance”.
Modise said the courts are also prepared and ready to handle all election-related crimes.
“Prosecutors will stand by to prosecute offences such as electoral fraud and corruption, removing or defacing political parties and campaign posters, interfering with the duties of the electoral officers or forcing anyone to vote anywhere they do not wish to.”
PolModise further cautioned against the sharing false information and misinformation on different platforms, stating that this may result in serious consequences.
“Sharing false, unverified information, rumours, or threats online or in person can have serious consequences. It can incite violence, confuse voters, and undermine the democratic process.”
“Individuals who use social media and electronic platforms to send threatening messages, incite violence, or cause harm to others will be charged,” she said.
Despite the Constitution allowing citizens to participate in protests, pickets, and present petitions, Modise said those who participate in these activities must do so peacefully and not violate the rights of those who do not want to participate.
Voting Abroad
International relations and cooperation Minister, Naledi Pandor says it’s all systems go for South Africans who will be voting abroad.
Scores of South Africans residing outside the country’s borders have registered to vote in the May 29 elections.
Recently the Democratic Alliance (DA) won its case against the IEC to ensure more voting stations abroad. This after the Electoral Court confirmed that the word “consulate” in the Electoral Act included those headed by honorary consuls.
Pandor said they await the outcomes of the appeal process.
“Arrangements have proceeded as per normal with respect to voting overseas. The only challenge at the moment is to get the appeal processed with respect to the decision of the courts on the honorary consuls. As you know, honorary consuls are individual persons that are asked to represent South Africa.”
Collection of Identity Documents
Home Affairs Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi says all Home Affairs officers across the country will be open on voting day to assist anyone who might be in need of a Temporary Identification Certificate.
He said the certificate will be accepted by the IEC for voting purposes.
“On the election day all Home Affairs offices will open as long as voting stations are open. Any person who might have a mishap with their ID, will have a right to go to any Home Affairs Office to collect a temporary identification certificate.”
Task Team
Police Minister Bheki Cele said a task team to deal with political killings has been beefed up and they are making strides.
“There have been special teams, that have been put in place to deal with that. I think in Mpumalanga there is progress that has been made to chase those people that have killed those councillors. We are also working hard to work with communities to prevent this from happening.”