The Democratic Alliance is showing its ”greed for power” by urging voters in radio adverts not to vote for other opposition parties, the African Christian Democratic Party said on Thursday.
”By telling voters that their vote will be wasted on a ‘smaller’ opposition party, the DA has once again showed its greed for power by lying to voters about the impact their vote can have,” ACDP MP Zwelethu ”Mighty” Madasa said.
”Five short years ago, the DA was in exactly the same position as the ACDP is in now — with seven seats in the National Assembly.
”We expect significant growth after the election as our support has grown phenomenally since 1999,” he said.
This malicious campaign demonstrates the DA’s disregard for a multiparty democracy, which is enshrined in the Constitution.
DA leader Tony Leon had said he favoured a two-party state, with his party as the ”official opposition”.
”This title is one that the DA has given itself, since South Africa’s multiparty system does not favour one single opposition party,” Madasa said.
This attitude is particularly surprising, as the DA has called for an opposition alliance against the ANC.
The ACDP believes there is a need to move away from the divisive politics of race and conflict of the past, towards a future of value-based politics.
”We call on South Africans to support a value-based party in the ACDP,” Madasa said. — Sapa
Special Report: Elections 2004