The leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has accused President Cyril Ramaphosa and the governing African National Congress (ANC) of deliberately delaying the announcement of the election date.
Malema claims that the ANC is aware of its declining popularity and hopes that the opposition will make a mistake during the campaign period, which could benefit the ANC’s electoral fortunes.
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Malema argues that there is no justifiable reason for the delay, as Ramaphosa had previously announced the 2019 election date during the State Of The Nation Address (Sona). He suggests that Ramaphosa’s decision to announce the date earlier was due to the so-called “Ramaphoria” that was associated with him at the time.
However, recent polls indicate that the ANC’s popularity is waning, with some suggesting that the party could dip below 40%. Ramaphosa’s delay in announcing the election date is seen by Malema as an attempt to buy time and potentially capitalize on any mistakes made by the opposition.
According to the constitution, the elections must be held within 90 days after the expiry of the current term. Ramaphosa has yet to reveal the date, keeping his plans undisclosed. Malema believes that the ANC’s strategy is to wait for a more opportune moment, hoping that unfavourable ratings may change or that the opposition will stumble.
Malema remains confident that the ANC will be removed from power through democratic means in the upcoming elections. He dismisses the notion of regime change and welcomes observer missions to monitor the electoral process.
Ipsos, a reputable research institution, predicts that the ANC’s support may drop below 40% and that the EFF could potentially surpass the Democratic Alliance (DA) as the official opposition. Malema highlights Ipsos’ track record of accurate predictions, except for the 2014 elections.
In conclusion, Malema’s accusations of the ANC intentionally delaying the election date reflect the growing tension and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming elections in South Africa. As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on the ANC’s next move and the potential implications for the country’s future.
