The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has called on political parties, their supporters and the public to refrain from violence and intimidation ahead of the Local Government Elections on Wednesday, 4 November.
The committee has urged political leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their members and supporters, warning that political differences must not threaten lives, public safety or community relations.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the committee said elections should allow eligible voters to make their choices freely, without fear, threats or intimidation.
“The Committee stresses that no political contest is worth a single life lost and no political difference justifies violence, intimidation or the destruction of community relations,” the statement read.
The committee called on political parties to exercise restraint, respect opposing political views and ensure that political contestation does not lead to confrontation.
It also urged political leaders to discourage provocative behaviour and promote the peaceful acceptance of different political choices.
The committee further called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to increase its visibility and readiness throughout the election period, with particular attention to identified high-risk voting stations and areas where tensions between political groups could threaten public safety.
READ | SAPS ready to ensure safe elections
It said law enforcement agencies must act decisively and impartially against anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process through violence, intimidation or other unlawful conduct.
Effective coordination between law enforcement agencies, the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders was also highlighted as important in preventing incidents and responding swiftly to threats.
The committee appealed to residents to reject political violence, report threats to the relevant authorities and avoid allowing political differences to divide communities.
It also encouraged eligible voters to turn out in their numbers on 4 November and exercise their democratic right, noting that participation in local government elections plays an important role in shaping service delivery, accountability and development in municipalities.
The committee said the success of the elections should be measured not only by the outcome at the ballot box, but also by the safety, dignity and freedom with which voters can cast their votes.
Approved special votes will be cast on 2 and 3 November 2026, ahead of Election Day on 4 November 2026.
Last month, the Electoral Commission said it has approved a record 2 655 067 special vote applications ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, representing a 131% increase compared with the 1 147 759 applications approved for the 2021 elections.
READ | IEC approves 2.65 million special vote applications ahead of Local Government Elections
Meanwhile, the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has urged every registered voter to prioritise the election and help choose ethical, capable and accountable leaders who will shape the future of local government.
READ | Call to vote on Voting Day
SALGA said communities have a decisive role in building a responsive and agile local government system. It said that responsibility begins with electing leaders who are prepared to serve with integrity and put the public first.- SAnews.gov.za
