Violent rhetoric uttered by certain political leaders could reverse the country's "democratic fortunes" gained during the past 15 years, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) warned on Thursday.

Speaking at the Towards Elections 2009 national conference in Durban, IEC chairperson Dr Brigalia Bam said: "We are aware of the violent nature of how some people speak... Intolerance is one of the major causes of war."

She said the IEC was concerned about the type of "rhetoric used in political meetings, in the trial surrounding ruling party leader and the breakaway party".

It was a sentiment echoed by Durban mayor Obed Mlaba: "Sometimes, come elections, people get excited and say things they would not usually say to get votes. We should guard against anything that would eat away at our peace and security".

He said the eThekwini municipality wanted to ensure political tolerance during the election.

"I'm yet to see a culture where once you are beaten politically, you are the first one to stand up and congratulate the winner. It is indicative that our democracy is maturing."

Bam did not, however, name the parties or the individuals responsible for the rhetoric.

"The ruling party and the breakaway parties will be tested in next year's elections. It is our responsibility to ensure South Africa does not degenerate because our democracy is fragile," she said.

South Africa must not follow the same path and "degenerate" like Zimbabwe during its recent elections.

"Zimbabwe witnessed the worst election violence recently... and it has not been resolved to date."

Ordinary Zimbabwean citizens, she said, turned out to be the biggest losers.

Bam praised the commitment of religious leaders, which she said had helped prevent South Africa from exploding into an interracial, intertribal and inter-regional war.

Also attending the conference, being hosed by the IEC at Durban's Elangeni Hotel, were numerous senior political leaders, the leaders of various non-government organisations, the South African Editors Forum, religious organisations and representatives of security institutions.

Sapa