DA urges MPs to support motion for early election

5 September 2017

The DA calls on all Members of Parliament to support our motion calling for early elections as per Section 50(1) of the Constitution, which will be debated in the National Assembly today, 5 September.

This is an opportunity for MPs to do the right thing and put the people of South Africa first.

On 8 August, 177 MPs, including dozens from the ANC, sent out a powerful message by voting in favour of the Motion of No Confidence in President Jacob Zuma. We call on these brave individuals and those who have not yet spoken out to put an end to the ruinous Zuma presidency.

South Africa cannot afford another two years of ANC governance. We cannot tolerate another two years of the Gupta family’s toxic influence over President Zuma and the ANC government. We cannot endure another two years of unchecked looting and plundering of our state-owned entities.

South Africa deserves a fresh start and the Constitution makes provision for early elections in instances, such as these, where there is a legitimacy crisis. Public representatives are elected to represent the hopes and aspirations of ordinary South Africans who, through their votes, chose them to serve. When they no longer serve those who elected them, but instead serve the interests of the political elite and their criminal associates, they must be removed.

Opposition parties also carry the hopes of the millions of South Africans who are unemployed and poor. They too should not disappoint the disaffected the way the ANC has.

The ANC can no longer be trusted to govern. South Africans have had enough. This is why the motion to usher in new elections must be supported.

Issued by John Steenhuisen , Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance, 5 September 2017