The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is turning to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the South African Police Service (Saps) to deal “decisively” with political parties that refuse to allow other parties to campaign in “what they see as their areas”.

IFP national chairperson and leader of the Official Opposition in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature Blessed Gwala announced that the party wants to strengthen its support base in two of the African National Congress’ (ANC’s) stronghold provinces before the May 29 elections.

A delegation of the party's senior leaders, led by Gwala, is in the North West province where the party leaders will meet with traditional leaders, embark on a membership drive, and mobilise.

Gwala explained that this was a precursor to the IFP rally in Mahikeng on Saturday, where IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa is expected to deliver the keynote address.

On May 18, the IFP delegation will move to Limpopo in preparation for Hlabisa’s visit, where he will address a rally.

Gwala explained that there must not be “no-go-zone areas”.

He said the right of parties and candidates to compete for political power in areas they may not have majority support in, was key to upholding and promoting a multiparty democracy.

“Candidates and political parties must have freedom of movement during the rest of the campaign period,” he said.

He noted that while his party may be targeting strongholds of the ANC, the IFP does not campaign negatively.

“We encourage all other political parties and independent candidates to refrain from making baseless allegations, making inflammatory statements, inciting violence, and general negative campaigning,” he said.

He said the party noted a worrying trend on social media platforms on tribal spurring and incitement, which it said perpetuated hate and intolerance.

The party urged all South Africans to use social media responsibly and within the ambit of the law.

“As we mark 21 days to go before May 29, we aim to preach peace, to act peacefully, and to work in a manner that promotes confidence in the electoral process and electoral institutions,” said Gwala.

Meanwhile, the IFP cautioned government on the alleged abuse of State resources.

Gwala explained that the abuse of State resources in elections was a common but insidious feature of the elections landscape, which reduced competition; eroded public trust in election outcomes; derailed development, infrastructure, and social welfare projects; and undermined the rule of law.

The party said it would closely watch government’s expenditure items.