Splitting the vote

Gaby Theron made an interesting point in the latest edition of Our Times: “Frans van Eeden [representing the Kouga 2000 party] is listed as a candidate in no less than 13 wards, even those considered to be ANC strongholds. It is uncertain what will happen if he wins more than one ward. Will he then be getting double pay for representing two wards in council?”

DAtanet is not particularly concerned about the absurdity of the situation as mentioned by Theron. Essentially we are of the opinion that Van Eeden and Kouga 2000 are being dishonest by going back on their undertaking earlier this year not to contest the municipal election in order to avoid splitting the vote. Their change of heart may result in fewer voters casting their vote for the DA. This, in turn, is likely to result in fewer DA candidates on the proportional list acquiring a seat on Council, thereby effectively returning the ANC to power.

The bottom line is that the DA in the Kouga dare not lose sight of its goal to take control of Council after 18 May in order to rescue the Kouga municipality from the mire of inefficiency and corruption in which it finds itself at present.