Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has urged the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to be on alert during what he calls a watershed election.

Speaking at the IEC's National Code of Conduct and Ballot Paper Draw in Johannesburg on Thursday, Steenhuisen pointed out that South Africa’s political landscape was maturing, with democracy in “a fundamental transition into a new era of truly competitive elections”.

He believes that for the first time in 30 years, South Africa will see an end to one-party rule and warned of the risk of such a change.

“We have already observed how the impending loss of power by a once-dominant party has opened up space for radicalism and violent threats. I wish to emphasise to the IEC today that the competitive new political reality that confronts us places enormous responsibilities on the shoulders of this Chapter 9 institution. This moment in history calls upon the IEC to serve as the midwife for South Africa’s transition to a truly mature, competitive democracy. It is a task in which the IEC dare not fail,” he said.

Along with a call for more accredited international observers during the elections, which Steenhuisen said presented South Africa’s democracy with the greatest opportunity and challenge, he wanted the IEC to take action on any issues threatening to undermine the integrity and outcome of the election.

He assured voters of the DA’s commitment to safeguard the process and said the party was also energised and excited by the county’s maturing democracy.

“We are working flat-out to ensure that we use this opportunity to bring positive change to the people. Our commitment is to protect South Africa from those who would exploit the end of one-party rule to foster anarchy. Our commitment is to ensure that, after the fall of one-party rule, South Africa emerges from the 2024 election with a more robust, mature and healthy democracy than ever before,” he said.