The Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Mr Lebogang Motlhaping is appealing to communities to exercise political tolerance for a free, fair and safe election period.
MEC Motlhaping said elections were important as they gave citizens an opportunity to cast their votes to exercise their democratic right. He said citizens had the right to choose the political party of their choice and it was important that all exercised political tolerance that is free from intimidation.
“It is important that we exercise political tolerance to afford each and every individual an opportunity to cast their votes freely, without any intimidation or interference but according to how they want to vote,” said MEC Motlhaping.
He said it was important that there were no disruptions during the period so as to enable the elections process to unfold peacefully and for the special votes to continue without hampering other’s right to vote. He added that IEC officials should also be afforded the opportunity to do their work professionally and freely.
We appreciate that so far, no major incidents have been reported and law enforcement is out in their numbers to ensure a safe voting period.
We would also like to appeal to communities that may feel the need to express dissatisfaction regarding any matter including those relating to service delivery to peacefully engage the relevant stakeholders and avoid causing disruption in communities or to the processes underway.
MEC Motlhaping added that he has confidence in the operational plans presented by the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Gen Peter Shivuri on how they would safeguard citizens and ensure minimal disruptions to the elections. The SAPS operational plan is in full swing and are monitoring the smooth running of the election process. We trust they will be able to respond to any evantualities that might occur as they are monitoring even areas identified as hotspots.
“We encourage all to go to the ballots tomorrow, 8 May 2019, to exercise their democratic right and cast their votes,” said MEC Motlhaping.