South African authorities voice concern over acts of intimidation and violence before local elections

 The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on local government elections on Friday voiced concern over acts of intimidation and violence in the run-up to the elections.

Acts of intimidation and violence have occured in different areas that do not agree with the decisions that have been made by the Municipal Demarcation Board, the IMC said in a statement.

Tasked with overseeing the smooth running of the elections and ensuring that voters are able to cast their votes in an environment that is both free and fair, the IMC has been coordinating efforts with all stakeholders.

"We want to reiterate that we agree that people have a right to protest, but that should not mean to destroy public and private property," said Des van Rooyen, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, who leads the IMC.

He was speaking after violence linked to political struggles that has flared up in parts of the country.

In the eastern coastal city of Durban, for example, clashes took place between supporters loyal to different political parties earlier this week. Police intervened, but not before several people were injured and public properties damaged.

The city said the protesters were incited by individuals who were not nominated as councillor for their respective political parties.

The South African Police Services, as one of the stakeholders in the IMC, is busy ensuring that there is stability and security in the affected areas in preparations for the local government elections, he said.

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has been convened and the sub-committee on elections is co-ordinating safety and security for the elections, according to the minister.

In addition to this, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster has planned a series of outreach activities to various municipalities across the country to ensure a safe election, he said.

A total number of 530 political parties have been registered for the elections.

source : xinhua