The Inkatha Freedom Party wants to strengthen its support base in two of the ANC’s stronghold provinces before this year’s elections.
This week, a delegation of the party’s senior leaders, led by IFP National Chairperson, Hon. Blessed Gwala, MPL, is in the North West Province where the party leaders will meet with traditional leaders, embark on a membership drive, and mobilisation.
This is a precursor to the IFP rally in Mahikeng on Saturday, 11 May 2024, where the IFP President, Hon Velenkosini Hlabisa, MP, is expected to deliver the Keynote address.
Next week the IFP delegation will move to Limpopo Province in preparation for the IFP President, Hon Velenkosini Hlabisa, MP’s visit on 18 May 2024 where he will address a rally.
While we may be targeting strongholds of the ANC, the IFP does not campaign negatively. We encourage all other political parties and independent candidates to refrain from making baseless allegations, making inflammatory statements, inciting violence, and general negative campaigning.
We note that a worrying trend is making its rounds on social media platforms on tribal spurring and incitement, which perpetuates hate and intolerance. We urge all South Africans to use social media responsibly and within the ambit of the law.
Therefore, we call on the Electoral Commission (IEC) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that it deals decisively with parties that refuse to allow others to campaign in what they see as “their” areas.
There must be no “no-go-zone areas.” The right of parties and candidates to compete for political power in areas they may not have majority support in, is key to uphold and promote a multi-party democracy. Candidates and political parties must have freedom of movement during the rest of the campaign period.
As we mark 21 days to go before 29 May 2024, we aim to preach peace, to act peacefully, and to work in a manner that promotes confidence in the electoral process and electoral institutions.
Furthermore, the IFP cautions government on the alleged abuse of state resources. The abuse of state resources in elections is a common but insidious feature of the elections landscape. There is no place for abuse in this election, and we will closely watch governments expenditure items.
The abuse of state resources for campaigning reduces competition, erodes public trust in election outcomes, derails development, infrastructure, and social welfare projects; and undermines the rule of law.
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Contact
Hon. Blessed Gwala, MPL
IFP National Chairperson & Leader of the Official Opposition in the KZN Legislature
078 290 5842
