Message Of Support
By
Inkosi Elphas Mzamo Buthelezi MPL
Deputy President Of The Inkatha Freedom Party
Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand
On behalf of the Inkatha Freedom Party, its leaders, candidates and members, I commit to uphold the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct in 2016.
The coming Local Government Elections take place in an atmosphere of heightened political awareness. More than in any election since 1994, the electorate holds strong convictions on how they will vote. Economic distress and social upheaval has distilled in the minds of our people the need to cast their vote, for the sake of securing the future.
The stakes are therefore high in 2016, and the political landscape is set to change. In these circumstances, we know that the threat of electoral manipulation looms large.
The IFP believes that free and fair elections are the foundation of democracy. As much as we have secured the right to vote, we must protect the right to have our votes respected, without manipulation or intimidation of any kind.
We respect the role of the Electoral Commission in this regard, and commit to support its work as we have always done. The IFP has been vigilant in every election, highlighting cases of fraud, intimidation and vote buying, and working with the Commission to secure real democracy.
Our nation deserves nothing less. Our people are struggling under the burden of poverty and escalating food prices. Many are angry over poor service delivery and corruption in leadership. Their voices must be heard, so that we might place municipal governance on the path of recovery.
The IFP condemns any party that would buy people’s vote, whether with state resources, empty promises or divisive rhetoric. We must ensure that the genuine will of the people is expressed in this election. It is the only hope South Africa has of protecting our hard won democracy. The IFP champions free and fair elections.
