KZN plans election peace summit with political parties and IEC

KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial government plans to convene political parties and the Electoral Commission for a peace summit this month ahead of the 4 November local government elections.

Premier Thami Ntuli said the meeting would focus on political tolerance, stability and the conduct expected from parties and their volunteers during the campaign.

The initiative follows reports of intimidation and fatal attacks involving councillor candidates and party members in the province. Authorities have not confirmed that the recent killings were politically motivated, and investigations remain under way.

Ntuli told SABC News that parties should avoid confrontations and verbal or physical attacks while voters consider their choices. He also urged communities to provide police with information that could assist investigations, regardless of the party affiliation of a victim.

The IEC met KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial leadership earlier in the year as part of preparations for the 2026/27 municipal election cycle. The commission is responsible for administering the poll, registering parties and candidates, and enforcing the electoral code of conduct.

KwaZulu-Natal has a history of politically linked violence, making security planning and cross-party commitments a significant part of election preparations. Recent cases, however, cannot be classified as political killings unless investigators establish that motive.

The province had not announced the final summit date or a list of participating parties by Saturday night.