The ANC came under heavy criticism by several political parties at the Independent Electoral Commission's national conference on Tuesday, with one party even calling for election wrong-doers to be removed from the ballot.

"Perhaps we should punish those who create no-go areas by removing them from the ballot papers..." said Bantu Holomisa, leader of the United Democratic Movement.

He was speaking at a panel discussion "Creating an environment conducive to free and fair elections" at the IEC's national conference in Durban.

Holomisa proposed that the IEC arrange a meeting with political leaders and President Kgalema Motlanthe to ensure they were all "on the same page".

He said he also rejected any unilateral decision by the African National Congress to have an early election.

A reversal of fortunes?

Shortly before the discussions, the IEC's chair Dr Brigalia Bam said the violent rhetoric uttered by certain political leaders could reverse the country's "democratic fortunes" gained during the past 15 years.

"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 the ruling party leader and the break away party".

Bam did not, however, name the parties or individuals responsible for the rhetoric but stressed that the ANC and the Congress of the People would face the ultimate test at the 2009 elections.

"The ruling party and the break away 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."

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

An end to inflammatory language?

Moosa Zondi, secretary-general of the Inkatha Freedom Party shared Bam's sentiment and called on political parties to ensure the elimination of no-go areas, and to work towards a speedy end to the disruptions of political meetings and of inflammatory and irresponsible language.

"We ask, in particular, that the inflammatory language which is emanating from the leader of the ANC Youth League and other sections of the tripartite alliance, be fearlessly censored."

He described the recent mauling of Cope as an attack "on us all".

Parliamentarian leader of the Democratic Alliance Sandra Botha said political intolerance was unacceptable by any political party and accused the ANC of being behind disruptions at political meetings.

She called for the establishment of a multi-party task team to prevent political violence inside and outside of the elections.

ANC provincial chairperson Zweli Mkhize said his party was concerned about political intolerance.

"We believe that if there is any situation where an element of intolerance is identified, we must work together to remove it."

He said there had been a number of situations where political choices were made and words had been uttered.

"We need to make sure no person is harmed as a result... we don't believe there should be a platform used for throwing stones".

A haven for criminals

National Democratic Convention (Nadeco) leader Hawu Mbatha said politics had become a playing ground for criminals where well-known political parties were hiring people with criminal records.

He said a large percentage of people had concerns and that it should not be that way.

Several political parties also made mention of their members being attacked and intimidated and their campaigning posters and billboards being vandalised as a result of political intolerance.

Durban Mayor Obed Mlaba said politicians get too excited at election time 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 was working towards political tolerance during the elections.

"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."

Sapa