Co-operation with other political parties: A contribution to the Congress of the People's strategy for winning political power

In recent weeks there has been heightened interest and debate on whether COPE should cooperate with, and possibly even merge with other opposition parties. The arguments for and against these possibilities have either been couched in terms of a re-alignment of the South African political terrain, or in some cases, in anachronistic positions that really relate to the pre-COPE era of politics. If it is to grow and to successfully challenge for power, COPE must co-operate with other parties, but it must do so on the basis of shared values, principles and policies.

There is no doubt that the launch of COPE changed the political terrain in our country. The formation of a progressive, left of centre party that could challenge the ANC, has inspired a new political enthusiasm in our country. The demoralization of many people due to the dramatic debasement of the once proud liberation movement and its increasingly bad track record in terms of governance, was turned around by the emergence of COPE. COPE's new agenda for hope and for change was successful in that respect. The performance of COPE in the general election, while not enough to dislodge the ruling party, helped to ensure that the 2/3's majority the ANC sought was not gained. But it is only combined with other parties that COPE can exercise this power. Cooperation is therefore a necessity.

It is true that parties such as the DA, the ACDP, the FF, the IFP and the UCDP have a history of policy positions that COPE would not have supported. But it became clear during the election that the manifestos of the DA, UDM and the ID had a lot in common with COPE. Among these were;

• Defense of the constitution
• Eradicating poverty
• Rooting out corruption
• Ensuring good service delivery in; health, education, policing, local government and other areas
• Creating work and economic opportunities for all people
• Redressing past injustices perpetrated under apartheid and colonialism

Some of the potential differences between these parties on how to achieve these common objectives revolve around views on the role of the state. There is also a perceived difference on BEE and Affirmative Action. In discussions between these parties it has become clear that these differences are not of a strategic nature. COPE is committed to solving the problems that the people of our country face. It does not therefore stick to rigid policy positions such as nationalisation, but would consider the role of the state on a case by case basis. On broad-based black economic empowerment and affirmative action all these parties recognise the need for these measures but are clear that the ruling party has not implemented them properly, instead creating possibilities for corruption, nepotism and a culture of entitlement and mediocrity.

It is worth noting that realignment has happened before, leading to the formation of the DA, in the ANC leading to the formation of the UDM, the ID and recently COPE itself. The ANC cooperates with the FF+ and has with Azapo before today. There is no impediment to cooperating with any parties if they share most of COPE's vision, values and principles and there are no strategic or principled differences between COPE and them. Among the most important of these values and principles stated in COPE's manifesto are that it will;

• fearlessly defend the constitution and uphold the rule of law;
• systematically eradicate poverty, grow the economy, create decent work and substantially reduce unemployment;
• protect the environment and our natural resources for future generations
• equip and educate our children to be globally competitive and ready to function in the knowledge economy and provide our people with  opportunities to acquire the necessary skills to realise their full potential;
• significantly improve the quality of health care and increase health literacy;
• fight and reduce crime and provide better safety and security for all;
• enhance the gains made in the empowerment of women to achieve gender equality;
• empower and develop the youth to realise their full potential and play their rightful role in society;
• strengthen families, family life and communities;
• unite the nation to act together to build a truly non-racial South Africa; and, contribute to the development of Africa, strengthen South-South cooperation and build a more just world.

Discussions with other political parties have revealed that whatever differences there may have been in terms of their past policies, they have also shifted. In terms of values, there is a commitment to a shared vision, shared values and a shared agenda. It is therefore incumbent on COPE to enter into discussions with these parties to see where cooperation is possible. Not to do so would be to miss the historic opportunity that presents itself.

There is a danger that COPE members can be "left behind" in this debate and because of this, not support the process. This discussion must include the membership of COPE. It is important that such discussions are not premised on an "anti" agenda, but are rather based on the desire to forge a common vision based on shared values and principles. The process that COPE should follow is to;

• Set out the discussions held to date and identify areas where agreement and disagreement are found,
• Prepare a discussion document to take to all COPE members and structures to debate,
• Once the debate has taken place and COPE structures and members have given their input to the party leadership a further meeting with the political parties it seeks to cooperate with and finalise a common platform or agenda should take place.

 There is no doubt that this process will invigorate political debate and attract large numbers of people to once again participate in politics as active citizens. The fact that parties will have abandoned their historical positions will present the electorate with an opportunity to vote for a platform of policies and not have to vote defensively on racial grounds. If this platform can be agreed upon, a formidable effort can be made to win local government elections in key districts, towns and cities. Such victories will lay the foundation for winning the national elections in 2014. A victory in the national election will be of huge significance to our country, the African continent and will have an impact globally. COPE can be in power in 2014. We have proved that we could set up a party in record time and fight an election to win an important share of the vote. Winning power through growing our share of the vote is the key objective of the party. If cooperation with other parties assists in achieving this objective, then we must explore that option.

 It is important to realise that COPE does not have to dissolve itself or merge with other parties to co-operate. For the immediate future, cooperation and a common platform are what is required. This is not to rule out the possibility of the formation of a united, alternative and progressive party. But this should develop out of the talks, joint action and a debate in our own ranks and the ranks of the other parties who wish to cooperate with COPE. The electorate is crying out for change, if the protests at poor service delivery, the continuing strikes, the high emigration figures and other similar indicators are anything to go by. COPE was not formed to fail in its historic task. We should not be shy to say we can do it better with the help of other parties that share our vision, values and principles.

Phillip Dexter MP is the Head of Communications for the Congress of the People

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