Today I signed the Independent Electoral Commission code of conduct, committing the DA in the Tshwane Metro to play by the rules of democracy ahead of the 18 May local government elections.
The essence of democracy is that voters can decide to change their rulers at the ballot box. For voters to exercise the right to vote, other enabling rights need to be freely exercised.
Citizens need to have access to converging policies and views through the media and contact with candidates. Only then can they apply their minds freely and decide for whom to cast their ballots.
It is important that parties and their candidates do not prevent voters from making an informed, free choice in the election.
It is equally important for every voter to know that their vote is their own choice, and their secret.
By exercising the right to vote in favour of one party and not another, voters are not betraying their country or their community or their heritage.
On the contrary, by voting for the party which is likely to deliver the best services for all, people are honouring the heroes of our past and vindicating the struggle for democracy.
The DA is committed to an election campaign in which the issues, including jobs, safe communities and universal access to basic services, are the issue.
And we pledge to treat our opponents, with whom we differ in our vision for the country and the city, with tolerance. Despite our differences we remain compatriots.
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