APPENDIX 1 THE ELECTORAL ACT CODE OF CONDUCT
The Code lays out as its objective "to promote conditions that are conducive to free and
fair elections and a climate of tolerance in which electioneering activity may take place
without fear or coercion, intimidation or reprisals" (Fourth Schedule, 1). Its provisions
apply to parties, candidates, party members and supporters and candidates' agents
(Fourth Schedule, 2).
Political parties must instruct its candidates, office bearers and representatives, members
and supporters to adhere to the Code and electoral laws (Fourth Schedule, 3(a)).
Candidates must likewise instruct representatives and supporters to comply with the
Code and with electoral laws (Fourth Schedule, 3(b)). Parties and candidates are expected
to enforce compliance (Fourth Schedule, 3(c)).
Parties and candidates are expected to publicise the Code and their commitment to it, to
publicly condemn behaviour that undermines free and fair elections, to accept the results
of the elections or to challenge them by legal means and to publicly affirm the right of all
to (Fourth Schedule, 4):
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Freely express their political beliefs and opinions.
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Challenge and debate the political beliefs and opinions of others.
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Canvass freely for membership and support.
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Attend public meetings convened by others.
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Distribute campaign material.
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Political parties and candidates are expected to cooperate with (Fourth Schedule,
5):
Other parties to minimise conflict, especially by not calling public events that conflict
with those organised by other parties or candidates.
ZEC officials to "protect and enhance their role to supervise and administer elections".
Police officers in maintaining peace.
Political parties and candidates as well as members and supporters are prohibited from
(Fourth Schedule, 5):
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Harming or threatening others.
Language or deeds that provoke violence or intimidation.
Publishing defamatory allegations about other participants.
Discriminating on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, class or religion.
Damaging property, including posters, banners or other material.
Preventing or inhibiting access to meetings or to voters during campaigning.
Carrying weapons at public political events.
Bribing or threatening voters.
Coercing voters to reveal whom they voted for.
Disrupting the work of election officials.
Campaigning within 200 metres of a polling station or counting centre.
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