LETTER TO ANC CANDIDATES FROM PRESIDENT MANDELA

Issued by: African National Congress

Dear Comrade

As we enter the most intensive phase of our local government
election campaign, every one of us has a very important role to play
in ensuring that the elections are free and fair. As in the 1994
elections, our opponents will use every opportunity to accuse the
ANC of political intolerance and intimidation.

As the ANC we have insisted that we want the right to free and
fair political activity in areas like Kwa-Zulu Natal. We, on our
side, have to guarantee the same right to all parties and candidates
in areas where we have majority support.

The summary of the Electoral Code of Conduct enclosed with this
letter clearly states what the Electoral Regulations demand from us.
At the National Multi-Party Forum we have given the undertaking that
our movement, candidates, office bearers, employees and members will
abide by this Code of Conduct. At a local level the registration of
every list or ward candidate was accompanied by an agreement to
abide by the Code of Conduct.

Voters have the right to hear the policies of all parties and to
make up their own minds. We have nothing to fear from encouraging
free and fair political activity. It is the essence of democracy and
our movement has fought long and hard for all South Africans to
enjoy this basic right.

I urge you to use every opportunty to make this clear to our
supporters and our members. The ANC will pay a heavy price for any
breech of the Code of Conduct and individuals responsible will be
dealt with by both the Electoral Tribunals and our own disciplinary
structures.

If we are found guilty of any serious offences the ANC can be
banned from participating in a particular election.

I rely on you who are at the forefront of our elections campaign
to maintain the same discipline and commitment that enabled us to
come this far.

Thank you for your cooperation and for all the hard work you are
doing to ensure another resounding ANC victory.

Yours in the struggle for local democracy.

NELSON MANDELA
President