COPE on the temporary interdict against the swearing in of Graham McIntosh

The Congress of the People notes that Parliament has been interdicted against swearing in new COPE MP Graham McIntosh by former MP Shilowa. We accept that Parliament has acted in a manner appropriate to the rule of law and accordingly we accept Parliament's position on the matter.

It is clear that Shilowa has now run out of ideas for running interference on COPE and its operations. His sole agenda now is to destroy the organization in any way possible. We have seen this kind of litigious interference before, as evidenced by a similar attempt to block the swearing in of President Mosiuoa Lekota. Such an attempt has failed in the past, so for the former Chief Whip to claim victory in the media is both premature and a distortion of the facts. The recent judgment against Mr Shilowa in the Cape High Court is his 12th consecutive loss in court.

The nature of the interdict is temporary and the matter will in due course be decisively put to rest pending the outcome of the case before the South Gauteng High Court. No amount of political and legal chicanery by any former member of the organization will distract COPE from our core mission of defending the Constitution of South Africa and building a viable alternative government for all South Africans.

Statement issued by Phillip Dexter, COPE (L) head of communications, March 29 2011

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