Cope denies coalition plans with ANC

The Congress of the People (Cope) says it is not considering forming a coalition with the African National Congress (ANC) after the coming elections.

“Cope wishes to clarify that a coalition with the ANC is not on the cards,” party spokesperson Onkgopotse JJ Tabane, said in a statement.

Last week, Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Helen Zille challenged Cope to say whether it planned to enter into a coalition with the ANC after the April 22 elections.

“I do believe there is a possibility that Cope may form a coalition with the ANC ... [Cope presidential candidate Mvume] Dandala’s statement about going into coalition lends credence to that belief, as does his general attitude towards the ANC,” she said at the time.

Tabane rejected this, saying the basis for any coalition was adherence to higher values, such as the defence of the Constitution, but the ANC had obviously departed from this.

The essence of Dandala’s statements, made through numerous media, was that unless the ANC revised its values, such a coalition would be impossible.

“We have sadly noted the DA’s distortion of this position for cheap political gain, seeking to fuel baseless conspiracy theories suggesting that Cope is another version of the ANC,” he said.

Voters would see such propaganda for what it really was.

“Cope will continue to propagate for a change in government and prepare itself to provide South Africa with alternative government,” he said.—Sapa