Umbrella Body: Opposition Parties - FCOP Presentation

16 March 2013
Cheryllyn Dudley MP - ACDP

Opposition party leaders started meeting early 2012
Objective: to explore possible co-operation on issues.
Successful rallies followed

Increased cooperation:
- Opposing Protection of State information Bill
- Motion of no confidence in the President.

Why would ACDP commit to opposition party co-operation?

• a demonstration by opposition parties of commitment to forming coalition government when ANC get less than 50% of vote.
• Gives SA strong alternative without requiring parties to compromise
• Voters can still vote for party that represents them
• Will bring party specific perspective to the table in a governing coalition

Israel: recent elections
• Electorate took vote from strongest coalition partner
• Strengthened smaller parties to bring balance & broader perspective in coalition decisions

DA & COPE would like to see parties working as one at the next election BUT
• open to ACDP remaining in co-operation rather than coalition

Election Campaign:

“a vote for any co-operating opposition parties is a vote for a responsible coalition government“
NB – a far cry from “a vote for a smaller party is a wasted vote”!

• Opposition party co-operation & coalition government:
• Pros & cons for ACDP to be carefully considered