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Roundup: Foreign observers invited to monitor S. African local elections

Xinhua, August 3, 2016 Adjust font size:

South Africa has invited foreign observers to monitor the upcoming local government elections to ensure their fairness and credibility, it was announced on Tuesday.

The Southern Africa Development Community Election Support Network (SADC-ESN) said it will be the first time for the regional network of observers to monitor South Africa's municipal elections.

"We expect credible elections in South Africa, which is to set a role model because it has been a regional economic power, so we expect it to set the lead in terms of how elections are run," said Rindai Chipfunde Vava of the SADC-ESN.

But the SADC-ESN warned that the violence and killings that have preceded the polls could negatively impact South Africa's regional standing as a democracy.

The hotly contested elections have left at least 14 councillors dead, according to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

The pre-elections violence is believed to be sparked by the imposition of candidates.

The elections, scheduled for August 3, are heralded by many as being the most contested since 1994. For the first time in history, this election will see 200 political parties and over 61,000 candidates participating.

The parties are contesting 4,392 wards in all 213 municipalities.

The SADC-ESN is a network of 15 election-based organizations in Southern Africa that recognise the inextricable link between elections as the foundation of any functional democracy, and the centrality of the observance of human rights in the conduct of the electoral cycle.

Also on Tuesday, the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said South Africans are already making their mark as the country is poised to deliver yet another successful elections.

Elections have begun across the length and breadth of the country. The special votes ended on Tuesday.

About 26 million South Africans are expected to cast their ballots on Wednesday, the ministry said.

The government reminds all registered voters to vote where they are registered.

President Jacob Zuma has declared August 3 a public holiday to allow all registered voters to go out and cast their ballots.

"All responsible citizens should stand up and be counted as part of those who are working tirelessly to strengthen our democracy. By voting you affirm the continuing growth of our democracy," ministry spokesperson Legadima Leso said. Endit