DA TRIES TO SWALLOW UP OPPOSITION PARTIES TO ENLARGE ITS RANKS

"If the weekend's attempt in Cape Town to set up a united opposition front against the ANC is sincere, it would not be restricted to an exclusive group of only four parties. Then it would have been truly inclusive, unless there is a hidden agenda in terms of which only certain parties which the DA is hoping it could swallow up, are included," Dr. Corné Mulder, Chief Whip of the FF Plus says.

Dr. Mulder's reaction follows on the decision of the ID, DA, COPE and UDM to discuss closer cooperation at a national conference which will be hosted by the ID at the Cape Town International Conference (CTICC) this weekend.

"It should further be noted that the broader Afrikaans and Christian communities are not welcome in the proposed new front which the DA is hoping to form with the ID, Cope and the UDM. It is important to note that the DA in the person of its provincial leader, Mr. Theuns Botha, insists that the FF Plus may not be allowed to become involved in this because the FF Plus' pro-Afrikaans and pro-Christian approach is unacceptable for DA supporters. In the same way the ACDP, which is a Christian party was also shown the door by the DA," Dr. Mulder added.

The weekend's attempt to set up a united front of opposition parties against the ANC, is too exclusive and limited to truly make a difference. The hidden agenda of the DA to swallow certain political parties in the process will not only frustrate voters but it will also be unsuccessful.

"There is no reason why the process can not be inclusive. The proportional electorate system makes provision precisely for this. It is clear that the DA is busy with an attempt to try and swallow the ID, UDM and COPE," Dr. Mulder added.

Statement issued by Dr. Corné Mulder, FF Plus Chief Whip, March 19 2010

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter