STAFF REPORTER|
THE Democratic Alliance (DA) on Thursday outlined what it called “pro-active measures” to fix “messy” coalitions as the country prepares for general elections in 2024.
During a media briefing attended by DA leader John Steenhuisen, party Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube and spokesperson Solly Malatsi, the party denied that the ousting of Mpho Phalatse as City of Johannesburg mayor had prompted its call for measures to manage coalitions in the country.
Steenhuisen said the DA’s legislative agenda in the run-up to the 2024 elections was to prepare Parliament for the likelihood that, for the first time in 70 years, the era of one-party domination could come to an end.
The legislation would not serve as a quick fix for the party’s problem with coalitions, but would rather be to address the country’s problem with coalitions.
“Any party wishing to be part of a coalition government after 2024 should welcome the stability promoted by these legislative changes,” said Steenhuisen.
“The ANC is in a downward spiral and is currently taking the country down with it. The situation is very bad and getting worse, with poverty, service delivery failures, crime, corruption, debt and unemployment running out of control.”
“We cannot afford to replace failing ANC governments – whether at national, provincial or local level – with unstable, cumbersome coalitions.”
The DA made the following five suggestions:
- Set an electoral threshold: This would require a political party to secure 1% or 2% of the overall vote to qualify for seats in a legislature or council.
- Formalise coalition agreements: There must be a legal requirement that coalition agreements be drawn up and clearly set out the principles the parties to them must adhere to. Such agreements must include conflict resolution procedures to be followed if disputes arise.
- Establish an independent registrar of political parties: To entrench public accountability in coalition governments, South Africa could benefit from the Kenyan model, which includes an independent registrar of political parties and a political parties’ disputes tribunal to address any disputes that may arise during the lifespan of the coalition agreement.
- Extend the time period for electing mayors: The DA believes the time allowed for the president, as well as premiers and mayors, to be elected should possibly be extended from the current 14 days from the declaration of the election result. This is to give parties sufficient time to negotiate functional, binding coalition agreements.
- Limit motions of no confidence: In consultation with other parties, the DA will investigate limiting the frequency with which motions of no confidence can be brought in a legislature. INSIDE POLITICS
