INDEPENDENT Electoral Commission boss Brigalia Bam yesterday urged candidates and parties to respect the wishes of voters in the coming local government elections.
Speaking at the signing of the electoral code of conduct by political party leaders in Midrand, Bam said she hoped the disappointment of those not elected "will not lead to anything that is negative".
"Without multiparty tolerance we will slide into the tyranny of the majority.
"Each political party must be willing to compromise and work together."
Bam said a survey conducted by the IEC had revealed that more South Africans than ever intended voting in this election.
She said South Africans were highly politicised and would closely watch the May 18 elections, which will be the third since the country became a democracy in 1994.
This year, 53596 candidates and 121 parties would contest the elections, compared to the 45 179 candidates and 97 parties in 2006.
Leaders present at the ceremony included the ANC chairperson Baleka Mbete, DA's Helen Zille, IPF president Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Mulder.
Before signing the pledge Mbete said the party had already seen its posters defaced and its members subjected to violence.
She said ANC cadres caught violating the electoral code of conduct would be severely dealt with.
"We do not want any one to vote for us out of intimidation and dirty tricks."
Buthelezi said an IFP member was petrol-bombed last week and urged the IEC to guard against irregularities.
Zille said the DA would campaign on issues.
She said: "There must be an end to name-calling." She also called on political parties "to stop playing the race card".