The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Friday warned there were signs of violence emerging ahead of next year's election.

"There is nothing wrong with robust electioneering, it may even increase voter turnout. Unfortunately, undertones of robust contestation turning into violent contestation are surfacing," it said in a statement.

The commission said it condemned all forms of political violence from whichever quarter it came.

"We call on all parties, groupings and their supporters to abide by the prescripts of the Electoral Code of Conduct, even at this stage before the elections have been formally proclaimed."

The IEC's warning comes a day after supporters of ANC president Jacob Zuma chanted "kill Lekota" and "kill Shilowa" outside a rally in Johannesburg convened by African National Congress veteran Mosioua Lekota and former Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa.

It also follows an attack this week on two Democratic Alliance activists by ANC supporters in the Mogoba informal settlement near Daveyton.

Abiding by the Electoral Code of Conduct meant displaying tolerance towards democratic political activity, allowing free political campaigning and open public debate.

"We call on those whose rights to free political activity are being infringed to use institutions created by the State to ensure that their rights are respected and promoted. The rule of law should prevail at all times."

The IEC said it would open its 19 713 voting stations on 8 and 9 November for voter registration.

"We appeal to all South African citizens to go and register, or to check their registration details," it said.

Sapa