/ 22 April 2004

ACDP switches support to ANC in KwaZulu-Natal

The African Christian Democratic Party will throw its weight behind the African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal but only under certain conditions, the party announced on Thursday.

The ACDP, which won two seats in the provincial legislature, said in a statement it has a ”clear position concerning the best position for the province, and its people”.

The ANC has the most seats (38), and the Inkatha Freedom Party (30) and the Democratic Alliance (7) cannot form a provincial government together.

Before the election, the ACDP supported the IFP in principle in the legislature, as it had the majority support of the province’s voters.

But the electorate has changed this position and the ANC is now the largest party.

”We are acting on the same principle and have decided that we will support an ANC premier, provided that they form a broad-based government including the IFP and any other party they may fairly and reasonably invite to join them.

”Our support is conditional on such an agreement being in place.

”The ACDP has not entered into a coalition with any party and we retain our independence to serve our voters according to our Christian principles,” the ACDP said.

On Tuesday, the United Democratic Movement, which has one seat in the legislature, declared a similar position of support for the ANC as the largest party in the province.

The remaining two seats in the legislature were won by the Minority Front, which traditionally has sided with the ANC. — Sapa