The election season is in full swing and politicians on both sides of the fence have made complaints to the Political Ombudsman about 'breaches of the Political Code of Conduct.'

Most times, the allegations involve violence and political intimidation on the part of officials and supporters.

However, the document is a multifaceted one and covers other important issues that could arise between political leaders in this political season.

The document, first, discourages violence and intimidation and stipulates the many forms in which these could occur. For example, "no person should engage in, adopt or otherwise encourage, any form of violence or intimidation in their political activities."

Some of the violent acts referred to in the document include the procurement and distribution of ammunitions, using force to get persons to vote for a particular party, and also the use of funds to influence votes. The document in essence forbids political tribalism and, having signed the document, politicians commit themselves to "removing any political structures and resisting the development of any behavioural, cultural, social or organisational practices, which reinforce political tribalism."

Protection of property

The document insists that public and private property be protected, that is, no one should wilfully damage property in the course of any political activity. This includes the defacing of buildings and roadways to install political messages.

Similarly, officials of political parties are forbidden from making inflammatory and defamatory public utterances directed towards political candidates and their families.

If any of these forms of conduct are breached, the parties should first consult with each other and, if necessary, take the matter to the Political Ombudsman.