Today, the creeping, undemocratic coup d'etat initiated by the Deputy President of COPE Mbhazima Shilowa was further advanced, where members of the party loyal to Shilowa deployed thugs to stop anybody not loyal to him from entering the office.

This use of bullies was evident at the Heartfelt Arena during the failed Congress in December 2010. Not only is this illegal, as no court order has been granted to anybody to stop any COPE member from entering the office, but it once again demonstrates Shilowa's total disregard for the laws of the country and his now habitual behaviour of treating the party as if it is his personal property.

Given Shilowa's remarks about the undemocratic and authoritarian behaviour of leaders in other African countries recently, we are once again given a clear demonstration of the fact that his words do not match his own deeds.

Shilowa has implemented a strategy to become President of COPE at any and all costs. This has resulted in the current divisions and strife in the party. Today's developments are further evidence of his determination to seize control of the party for his own ambition and not to advance the interests of the members of the party or the people who voted for COPE.

Statement issued by Phillip Dexter, COPE(L), January 19 2011

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