ELECTORAL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CANDIDATES PARTICIPATING IN THE TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (TUT) STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC) ELECTIONS
ELECTORAL CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CANDIDATES PARTICIPATING IN THE TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (TUT) STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC) ELECTIONS
The TUT SRC Elections Code of Conduct is established to promote a fair, ethical, and respectful electoral process. Candidates and Election agents are expected to adhere to these principles to ensure the integrity of the elections.
1) Respect for Others
a) Candidates and election agents shall treat all students, including fellow candidates and supporters, with respect, courtesy, and fairness. Discrimination, harassment, or personal attacks will not be tolerated.
2) Campaign Materials
a) All campaign materials, including posters, flyers, and digital content, must be free from offensive, defamatory, or misleading content.
b) Campaign materials shall not be placed in prohibited areas, such as voting stations.
c) Candidates are responsible for removing campaign materials within a reasonable time after the election.
3) Fair and Honest Representation
a) Candidates shall present accurate information about themselves and their platforms to the voters.
b) Misleading or false claims about a candidate's qualifications, achievements, or intentions are prohibited.
4) Election Events and Debates
a) Candidates shall participate in official election events and debates organized by the Election Commission, if any.
b) Candidates shall adhere to the rules and guidelines set forth for these events.
5) Disruption and Interference
a) Candidates and party agents shall not engage in any activities that disrupt the normal operations of the electoral commission or interfere with the rights of others to participate in the electoral process.
6) Campaigning on Social Media
a) Social media campaigns shall adhere to the same principles of respect and honesty as other campaign materials.
b) Candidates shall not engage in online harassment, cyberbullying, or spreading false information.
7) Party Agents
a) Party agents shall act in accordance with this code of conduct and assist in maintaining a respectful and ethical campaign environment.
b) Party agents shall not engage in voter intimidation or misconduct.
8) Sanctions for Violations
a) The Election Commission may investigate alleged violations of this code of conduct and impose sanctions, which may include warnings, fines, or disqualification from the election.
b) All candidates and party agents have the right to due process and a fair hearing during any investigations.
9) Reporting Violations
a) Any member student may report alleged violations of this code of conduct to the Election Commission.
10) Amendments
a) This code of conduct may be amended by the Election Commission as needed to address new challenges or issues arising during the election process.
Candidates and party agents participating in the TUT SRC elections are expected to uphold the principles and rules outlined in this code of conduct. Failure to adhere to these principles may result in sanctions as determined by the Election Commission.
PROHIBITIONS
1) No person may —
a) compel or unlawfully persuade any person –
i) to vote or not to vote;
ii) to vote or not to vote for any nominated candidate; or
iii) to support or not to support any nominated candidate;
b) interfere with the independence or impartiality of the independent election body, any member, employee or officer of the independent election body;
c) advantage, or promise to advantage, a person in exchange for that person not performing a function in terms of this code of conduct;
d) prevent any of the following persons from gaining reasonable access to voters, whether in a public or private place:
(i) any representative of a candidate or a candidate;
(ii) any candidate in an election;
(iii) any member, employee or officer of the independent election body;
(iv) any person appointed by an accredited party agent or observer; or
(v) any person accredited to provide voter education;
2) No person, knowing that another person is not entitled to vote, may —
(a) assist, compel or persuade that other person to vote; or
(b) represent to anyone else that the other person is entitled to vote.
Impersonation
No person —
1) may apply for an online ballot paper in the name of another person;
2) who is not entitled to vote in an election, may vote in that election;
3) may cast more votes than that person is entitled to; or
4) may impersonate —
(i) a representative of a candidate or candidates;
(ii) a candidate in an election;
(iii) a member, employee or officer of the independent election body;
(iv) a person appointed by an accredited observer or party agent.
Intentional false statements
1) No person, when required in terms of these regulations to make a statement, may make the statement –
(a) knowing that it is false; or
(b) without believing on reasonable grounds that the statement is true.
2) No person may publish any false information with the intention of —
(a) disrupting or preventing an election;
(b) creating hostility or fear to influence the conduct or outcome of an election; or
(c) influencing the conduct or outcome of an election.
Infringement of secrecy
1) No person may interfere with a voter's right to secrecy while casting a vote.
2) Except as permitted in terms of this code, no person may —
a. disclose any information about voting or the counting of votes;
b. or open any ballot box or container sealed in terms of these regulations, or break its seal.
By adhering to this code of conduct, candidates and party agents contribute to a fair and democratic electoral process at TUT SRC Elections.