The idea of no-go areas in a democratic country that has the right to free association entrenched in its Constitution is baseless and nonsensical.

The idea of no-go areas in a democratic country that has the right to free association entrenched in its Constitution is baseless and nonsensical.

Just as inalienable is the freedom for any political party to canvass support wherever and whenever it pleases.

So threats by the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal that disgruntled rebels of the party will not be allowed to campaign in that province are irresponsible and dangerous.

Such remarks - attributed to provincial secretary Senzo Mchunu in reports yesterday - are a recipe for violence in a province where political intolerance has been rife in the past.

Tensions gripping the ANC factions after the recent announcement of a split and the pending formation of a new party must not be allowed to fester into violence.

Creating no-go areas infringes on the rights of residents in those localities to make their own free choice during elections.

This is in addition to providing an unfair advantage to the party blocking others to from campaigning freely in its purported stronghold.

Mchunu's utterances are tantamount to intimidation and must be condemned as well as investigated by the police.

The ANC in KwaZulu- Natal must focus on its own election campaign instead of resorting to bullying tactics.