2004-02-23


Elections to be held on April 14th of this year. This is the third election since apartheid died 10 years ago. The past elections have been dominated by the African National Congress (ANC). The party was led by Nelson Mandela, who spent two decades in prison prior to fall of apartheid.

The congress in South Africa is made up of 4 major parties and some minor other parties. These 4 make up 91.5% of the congress. These parties are: African National Congress (socialists) at 66.4 %, and the Democratic Party (liberal) at 9.6%, the Inkatha Freedom Party (conservative) at 8.6% and the New National Party (conservative) at 6.9%. The ANC is expected to win the majority again in this election.

African National Congress (ANC) is the party associated with Nelson Mandela and has been in contol of the country for 10 years and should win the majority again. It is a socialist party.

 The Democratic Alliance party is contolled by Tony Leon and seems to be a major challege to the ANC. It is a liberal party.

 Inkatha Freedom Party (IKP) party is led by Prince Dr. Mangosuthu Buthelezi and is also seen as a challege to the ANC party. It is a conservative party.

New National Party (NNP) is led by Martinus van Schalkwyk and is in alliance with the dominant ANC and is conservative. These 4 are the major parties involved in the election.

The primary focus of the election seems to be Land Reform, Aids/HIV, jobs and crime. This election should be interesting and we will do a follow-up article to bring you the results, so please stay tuned.