The Democratic Alliance parliamentary caucus will hold elections for a caucus leader on Thursday.
”This is an important position as the caucus leader will also be the leader of the official opposition in Parliament, who must represent over two million DA voters countrywide,” the party’s leader Helen Zille said in a statement on Wednesday.
”During my own election campaign for the national leadership, I made it clear that the caucus would elect its own leader. I also made it clear that I thought this position should be filled by a person who has the confidence of our voters.
”DA voters sent every one of the DA’s MPs to Parliament. It goes without saying that I would like our voters to have confidence in our parliamentary caucus leader,” Zille said.
Meanwhile, the party’s chief whip Douglas Gibson has announced he will not stand for the position during the elections on Thursday.
” …after my 13 years as chief whip and the election of Helen Zille as leader of the DA, I feel it is time for new blood and fresh faces in the collective leadership in parliament as well,” Gibson said.
Earlier this month, Gibson confirmed he was considering the position and would make a decision if he was convinced that the party wanted him to stand in the elections.
He said he would now focus on his portfolio which would include collecting funds for the party and serving voters in the Midrand and Sandton North area.
Gibson, however, announced his availability for the party’s 2009 elections.
”I hope to be re-elected to Parliament at the election in 2009.” – Sapa