BY REGINALD KANYANE
MEC for community safety and transport management, Dr Mpho Motlhabane assured communities of Bokone Bophirima a safe and secured local government elections.
Motlhabane said South African Police Service (SAPS), together with other law enforcement agencies and role players of the Provincial Joint and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) have compiled a multi-agency provincial operational plan.
“We are ready for these elections. Our people must know that they will be safe wherever they will be casting their votes. Our law enforcement officers will always be on the lookout. We will be visible enough on our roads and every village of the province,” Motlhabane said.
Motlhabane said the Electoral Act provides for a number of offences punishable by law if committed during the election period. He said the following are some of the offences in terms of the Electoral Act;
“No person may publish any false information with the intention of disrupting or preventing an election or to create hostility or fear in order to influence the conducting or outcome of an election. No person may interfere with a voter’s right to secrecy while casting their vote. This in itself places an obligation on the leaders of political parties to ensure that their members observe the provisions of the Act and conduct themselves responsibly during this period.
“We also urge leaders to refrain from making irresponsible and/or inflammatory statements or pronouncements, which may incite irresponsible or even violent behaviour as well as to abide by the electoral code of conduct which was signed by all political parties,” Motlhabane said.
“We are convinced that with measures in place including activation of the Provincial Joint Operational Centre (PROVJOC), the securing and safeguarding of the 2016 Local Government Elections will be successfully safeguarded and secured,” he said.
Provincial chairperson of the PROVJOINTS, SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane said they will make sure that there is not only high visibility, but that there will be static deployments at all the 1662 voting districts.
“We want to give an assurance to all the people of the North West province that we are ready, willing and able to deliver on our mandate of a safe and secure election for all those who will be going out to exercise their right to vote.
“The successful safeguarding of the elections is also dependent on the cooperation of the community who are urged to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner,” Motswenyane said.
She added that they urge community to comply with various legislation including the Municipal Electoral Act, 2000 (Act No. 27 of 2000), the Dangerous Weapons Act of 2013 and the Regulation of Gatherings Act of 1993.
“All our law enforcement officers will not hesitate to take actions against any person who contravenes the law. We also appeal to the people who will be driving to different voting stations to be vigilant on the road and always comply on the road,” she said.
The Guardian 