Three men, openly wearing MK Party regalia, are seen in a video tearing down DA election posters in uMzimkhulu, Southern KwaZulu-Natal. When confronted about being recorded, they reportedly show no concern. Instead, they openly identify the political party they represent.
This is not how democracy should work.
The video, which has been circulating on social media, raises serious questions about political intimidation ahead of the elections.
What makes this particularly disturbing is that political parties recently signed the Electoral Code of Conduct, promising to respect the law, allow peaceful campaigning and protect the rights of political opponents.
Yet, across KwaZulu-Natal, we continue receiving reports of threats and intimidation.
In Msunduzi, DA election posters have been removed and damaged. A criminal case has been opened with SAPS in Pietermaritzburg, and we expect progress in that investigation.
In uMngeni, social media posts have called for DA members and supporters to be killed.
In uMlazi, some of our activists are now afraid to wear their DA T-shirts in public.
Following a mini-rally in eTshelimnyama, supporters reported being intimidated by people they identified as MK Party members.
These incidents cannot be ignored.
KwaZulu-Natal knows the painful consequences of political violence. Too many families have buried loved ones because political differences were settled through threats and bloodshed.
We cannot allow that history to repeat itself.
The MK Party leadership must publicly address the conduct of people who openly identify themselves with the party while interfering with lawful election campaigning. The same standard must apply to every political organisation.
No political party owns a community, and no voter needs permission to support the party of their choice.
We call on the Independent Electoral Commission and SAPS to investigate these incidents, act on available evidence and ensure that those that are responsible face the law.
We also encourage every person who experiences threats, assault or damage to campaign material to report the incident to the police.
The right to campaign freely is not a favour granted by those who happen to be politically powerful in a particular area. It is protected by our Constitution.
If political parties cannot respect one another’s posters, how can voters trust that their choices will be respected?