ELECTORAL ACT ____________________________________________________________________________________ General principles 2.(1) The legitimacy of a government borne out of democratic multi-party political activity rests on the following principles— (a) that the political environment is at all times free of violence, coercion and intimidation (b) that conditions are conducive to free, fair and democratic elections conducted through a secret ballot in a climate of democratic tolerance in which political activity may take place without fear of intimidation or reprisals; (c) that as a result of being informed through education of the policies and qualities of all political parties, leadership, official and members, citizens are able to make an informed choice; and (d) that people are able to choose and vote for a political party freely, without interference, fear, undue influence or bribery. (e) that political parties and all candidates as well as their members, and their supporters accept others have the right to present their political principles and ideas in a peaceful environment without intimidation or fear of reprisal, and must respect that right; (f) that all political parties and candidates contesting an election or participating in a referendum should be provided with fair and equal access to the electronic and print media both public and private. (2) All political parties and all candidates as well as their members, and their supporters, and all stakeholders to whom this Code applies commit themselves in good faith to these principles spelled out in subarticle (1) above and must promote them so that— (a) a culture of peace pervades political activity; (b) political processes will be recognised as expressing the credible free choice of the people; (c) the result of that choice will be respected by all. Application 3. This Code will apply to political parties, candidates for election, election agents for candidates as well as members and supporters of political parties and candidates. Other stakeholders, namely all individuals, organisations and associations that are formally or informally associated with political parties or that formally or informally conduct political activities, in particular traditional leaders, security and law enforcement officials, public servants and civil society organisations are urged to assist in its observance. Public commitment 4. Every political party and every candidate must— (a) give wide publicity to this Code and ensure that their members and supporters are familiar with this Code and their obligation to comply with its terms; and (b) publicly state that, throughout the country, everyone has the right— (i) to freely express their political beliefs and opinions; (ii) to freely challenge and debate the political beliefs and opinions of others; (iii) to freely canvass for membership and support from voters; (iv) to freely attend public meetings convened by others; (v) to freely distribute campaign material; (c) publicly condemn any action that may undermine the free and fair conduct of elections— (i) in particular condemn and dissociate themselves unreservedly and publicly from any violence or intimidation, including when these acts benefit them and/or are committed by a stakeholder with whom they are formally or informally associated; and (ii) co-operate with the law enforcement agencies in apprehending the culprits; 143