Time Running Out as South Africa’s Parties Scramble to Meet Parliament Deadline

With the clock ticking down, South Africa’s major political parties are engaged in a frantic race against time to meet the deadline for the first session of Parliament. The Electoral Commission (IEC) announced on Monday that the deadline for parties to submit their candidate lists had been extended to 10 am on Tuesday, January 7th, 2020. This follows a request from several parties seeking additional time to finalize their candidates. The deadline extension comes amid ongoing negotiations between parties to form coalitions and alliances ahead of the first sitting of Parliament, scheduled for January 13th. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has the largest number of seats but fell short of an outright majority in the May 2019 elections, necessitating the need for alliances. The main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has ruled out an alliance with the ANC, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, has expressed a willingness to work with the ANC under certain conditions. Other smaller parties, such as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus), are also negotiating potential alliances. Political analysts have warned that the formation of stable coalitions could be a complex and time-consuming process, putting the deadline for the first session of Parliament at risk. Delays in forming alliances could result in political instability and uncertainty, which could impact the country’s economy and international standing. As the deadline approaches, party leaders are working tirelessly to reach agreements and submit their candidate lists. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged parties to meet the deadline to ensure a smooth transition and the timely opening of Parliament. The first session of Parliament is expected to elect the President, appoint the Cabinet, and debate and pass important legislation. The outcome of the negotiations and the composition of the new government will have a significant impact on the future direction of South Africa.Political parties race to finalize unity government terms ahead of Friday’s National Assembly session

Political parties race to finalize unity government terms ahead of Friday’s National Assembly session

Johannesburg – Political parties are rushing to fast-track the terms of the national unity government ahead of Friday’s National Assembly session.

A meeting between the DA and the ANC is currently taking place, according to DA national spokesperson Solly Malatsi. On Tuesday morning, the DA concluded its Federal Council meeting, where it reflected on the formation of a new government. The bone of contention was the ANC’s stance on including as many smaller parties as possible, which could put the DA in a weaker position. The meeting began on Monday and was suspended at 3 a.m., to resume between 7 and 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

It is understood that one of the DA’s main concerns is that a deal of this nature could threaten the party’s position as kingmaker in the pact.

The other question will be how positions will be divided between the numerous parties, especially when it comes to ministerial positions. Daily Maverick understands that the ANC is considering working with smaller parties that have seats in the National Assembly. A member of the ANC National Executive Committee explained that there is a strong push to include Al Jama-ah and Good, as both parties have worked harmoniously with them in the past and are reliable allies. However, Al Jama-ah has expressed concerns about the ANC working with the DA. Party president Ganief Hendricks said Daily Maverick that they would form a national front with other parties that are also against a union between the ANC and the DA.

The ANC obtained 40.18% of the national vote and the DA 21.81.

Hendricks suggested that the old liberation movement should try to stop this plan as the Al Jama-ah party is ‘extremely concerned about the current post-election developments in our country and the decision of the ANC to form a Government of National Unity with the DA and its game’ Moonshot Pact.” “Taking the above into account, Al Jama-ah firmly believes that there is a need for like-minded political parties and organizations to form a National Front,” he said in a letter to the Azani People’s Organization (Azapo).

The composition of the national assembly allows the ANC to collaborate with smaller parties to elect a president on Friday.

Election expert Wayne Sussman said Daily Maverick that this scenario would be possible. “The ANC could reach 50++ without the DA, the MK party and the EFF. In that scenario they will have to work with the IFP and the Palestinian Authority,” he said. The IFP obtained 3.85% and the PA 2.06%. Therefore, only if the ANC can convince all political parties to work with them excluding the three largest parties, ActionSA and ATM, then they could gain 208 votes to secure Cyril Ramaphosa’s second term as president. ActionSA’s Michael Beaumont confirmed that the party did not meet with the ANC, while ATM’s Vuyo Zungula said he met with party leaders but did not reach a concrete conclusion.

ActionSA has vowed to never work with the ANC while ATM has led the charge against Ramaphosa in the Phala Phala scandal.

Rise Mzansi national communications director Mabine Seabe said the party met with the ANC. “The Rise Mzansi delegation has met with the ANC and Gauteng national teams, at their invitation, separately. We have also had conversations with other party representatives from ActionSA, Bosa, DA and IFP, about working for what is first and foremost in the interests of the people of South Africa, including ensuring constitutional, democratic and social stability.”

“At this point, nothing has been finalized and there are more discussions and meetings that will take place between now and Friday,”

he said. Parties involved in the GNU talks have also highlighted that the ANC has given the impression that the positions of president and vice-president would be up for grabs if the deal is finalized. Working with smaller parties will put the country in an attractive position for businesses and markets. There has already been negative sentiment around the party forming government with the EFF and MK Party. The ANC has experienced internal conflict as the party decided to work with the DA, although together they would secure a strong majority. Meanwhile, the MK party filed court papers to suspend the first session of parliament scheduled for Friday. The party is seeking to stop Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and Parliamentary Secretary Xolile George from proceeding with the session as they have decided not to attend. The party argues that the first session will be illegal as it should be made up of at least 350 members and if they do not attend, they will not reach the required quorum.

Time Ticking as South African Parties Scramble to Form Parliament

As the first session of South Africa’s new parliament looms, political parties are facing a race against time to meet the registration deadline. This deadline is critical as it will determine which parties are eligible to contest parliamentary seats and participate in the formation of a new government. The two major parties, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), are among those facing the most pressure. Both parties have yet to finalize their candidate lists and submit them to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). The IEC has set a deadline of November 9th for parties to submit their lists. Any party that fails to meet this deadline will be disqualified from contesting the elections. The ANC, which has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994, has already missed a previous deadline to submit its candidate list. The party has cited logistical challenges as the reason for the delay. The DA has also expressed concerns about the registration process, claiming that the IEC has not provided enough guidance to parties on how to submit their lists. The IEC has denied these allegations, and has stated that it has provided ample support and guidance to all parties. The Commission has warned that it will not extend the registration deadline. With the clock ticking down, the pressure is mounting on South Africa’s political parties to ensure that they meet the deadline and participate in the upcoming elections. The outcome of the elections will have a significant impact on the future of South Africa’s democracy.