The ANC welcomes the ruling of the Alberton Magistrate's Court restraining the UDM from impeding ANC members from:
1. freely and fairly expressing their political beliefs;
2. challenging and debating the political beliefs and opinions of others;
3. publishing and distributing election and campaign material;
4. lawfully erecting banners, billboards, placards and posters;
5. canvassing support for their party and candidates;
6. recruiting members for their party;
7. holding public meetings, and
8. travel to and attend public meeting
The UDM was directed by the Court to in terms of item 4(1)(b) of the Code of Conduct, to publicly condemn the conduct of its members and/or supporters on 8 May 1999 for preventing representatives, members and supporters of the ANC in Greenfields from access to voters for the purpose of canvassing support for the ANC and its candidates in the forthcoming elections.
The UDM was further directed by the Court in terms of item 3(b)(i) of the Code of Conduct, to instruct its candidates, office-bearers, representatives, members and supporters to comply in all respects with the Code of Conduct and with the Electoral Act.
The ANC hopes that the UDM will accept the ruling of the Court and conduct its election campaign in a manner consistent with the law.
Issued by: Smuts Ngonyama - Head of ANC Department of Information and Publicity
For inquiries contact Thabo Masebe at 082 551 4945
27 May 1999