By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has unveiled a diverse bag of candidates for the 2024 national and provincial elections on May 29, including a medical doctor, economist, party councillors and an anti-crime activist.
The candidates include senior councillor in JB Marks Jeanne Adriaanse, economist at leading think tank Mlondi Mdluli, public sector built environment specialist Edwin Macrae Bath, Deputy Chief Whip of the DA in Ekurhuleni Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, leading community safety activist Ian Cameron, leader of the DA Students Organisation Liam Jacobs, COO of a major communications firm Kabelo Kgobisa, senior Councillor in Mangaung Dulandi Leech, medical doctor Karl le Roux, former Roads MMC in Nelson Mandela Bay Kabelo Mogatosi and Mark Burke.
They will join the DA’s parliamentary and legislative caucuses around the country.
Party leader John Steenhuisen says the new candidates have undergone a ten-month-long selection process to qualify for seats in Parliament and legislatures.
“These people embody South Africans’ hopes and are ready to ResuceSA from ANC corruption. Our candidates epitomise integrity and excellence, poised to lead SA forward,” Steenhuisen said.
He said the new members were selected on merit rather than political experience.
“This confirms our candidates’ belief and allegiance to the DA and the integrity of our people and our processes. I’m very proud and grateful to the retiring members of Parliament and provincial legislatures who have worked tirelessly for interests of all South Africans, and grow the DA across communities over the past decades.” Steenhuisen said.
The party released its list a day before the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is scheduled to make the list of candidates from all political parties public.
The list is made up of people who come from a diverse mix of professional backgrounds; they include a medical doctor, an economist, party councilors, and an anti-crime activist, casting the bunch as the “brightest individuals” to rescue SA from decades of “ANC corruption and decay.”
A new poll from Ipsos sees a massive shake-up on the cards for South Africa’s political landscape after the 2024 general elections; with with the ANC possibly receiving less than 40% of the vote.
Additionally, the polling shows that the current official opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) hot on its heels – making the 2024 elections hotly contested.
Results indicate large decline in support for the ANC, with the DA narrowly holding onto its official opposition status as the EFF makes major strides.
However, the firm reiterates that “these results should not be taken at face value as the figures include 10.1% (one in every ten) of the registered electorate who have not aligned themselves with a particular political party.”
The crucial factor of this election hinges on voter turnout on the day of the election. “Several analyses indicate that anticipating a high voter turnout may not be realistic, largely attributed to widespread despondency regarding the country’s situation and low levels of trust in politicians and political parties,” said Ipsos.
A full list can be downloaded here:DA Candidate List.
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Video Courtesy of DA.