South Africa’s main opposition DA party is positioning itself as the sensible choice for a stable power-sharing partner.
Right now, it has the second-biggest share of the votes counted and verified so far, behind the ANC which is struggling to reach the 50% threshold needed to govern alone.
“There comes a time when you have to put the country’s interests first, and you need to act in the best interests of the country,” DA Leader John Steenhuisen.
“I think instability is not in the best interest of the country, a coalition with the radical left in South Africa of the MK party and the EFF will produce the same policies that destroyed Zimbabwe, destroyed Venezuela.”
Jacob Zuma’s MK party and Julius Malema’s EFF are likely to be the third and fourth-biggest parties respectively. Both organisations reject claims that their economic plans would destroy South Africa’s economy.
Setting out his stall early, the DA leader has also outlined his non-negotiable policies if an alliance with the ANC is reached:
Quote Message: Respect for the rule of law and the constitution, a social market economy that treats the private sector as partners in the growth agenda… Zero tolerance for corruption and cadre deployment, and an absolute laser-like focus on economic policies that grow jobs.” from Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader John Steenhuisen
Respect for the rule of law and the constitution, a social market economy that treats the private sector as partners in the growth agenda… Zero tolerance for corruption and cadre deployment, and an absolute laser-like focus on economic policies that grow jobs.”
Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader John Steenhuisen
Mr Steenhuisen also he would have to consult pre-election coalition partners before considering any negotiations.
He said that he thinks the ANC is still in shock over its electoral showing, and wondered if President Cyril Ramaphosa would survive as party leader of the ANC.
Earlier on Friday, the deputy secretary-general of the ANC told journalists that Mr Ramaphosa would not be resigning.