South Africa's opposition Congress ofthe People (COPE) is demanding protection from the Independent ElectoralCommission (IEC) ahead of next month's general election after claiming itspartisans are being intimidated, saying next month's elections could be marred. COPEsaid it was seeking assurance from the Independent Electoral Commission thatthe upcoming April 22 local and parliamentary elections would be transparent,free and fair. But the ruling African National Congress (ANC) dismissed theopposition claims saying COPE is psychologically preparing itself for a poor showingin the general election. Somadoda Fikeni is a political analyst. He tellsreporter Peter Clottey that this year's election would be fiercely contested byall parties.
"Yes,this is one of the most intensely contested elections since 1994 when South Africamade its transition to democracy and therefore we have seen a heightened levelof intimidation sometimes this becoming violent. And in the region of KwazuluNatal we have even seen some political assassinations. Of course this is notrising to the levels of pre-1994, but it is still a reason for concern," Fikeni said.
He said tensions between theruling ANC and the opposition COPE have sharply risen ahead of the election.
"In the case of the COPE andthe ANC, you will remember that COPE is a breakaway group of the ANC. So, thereis such an intense sense of betrayal and counter betrayal hence COPE in areaswhich are predominantly ANC hasn't done well in terms of campaigning," he said.
Fikeni said COPE's demandfor the electoral commission's assurance is perhaps misplaced.
"This matter is mainly asecurity matter, but while it is quite clear that a certain party isinstigating this, all parties do sign a code of conduct as a pledge to say thatthey wouldn't do certain things. So the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)could punish them by imposing a penalty in the form of payment. That in itselfis one of the limited options that the Independent Electoral Commission has,but beyond that it's a matter for the police and the security forces, securing themeetings," said Fikeni.
He said the opposition COPEcould significantly challenge the ruling ANC provided COPE makes the necessaryeffort to achieve that aim.
"If they put theirinfrastructure and their message across as well as the leadership team, surelyin the local government elections that are coming in 2011 they will do well,"he said.
Fikeni said it is unlikelythat COPE party will attain the position of main opposition party in the April22 general election.
"In this election, they willstruggle to win that spot of being the main opposition party because thewell-organized, well-financed, well-resourced Democratic Alliance, which is theopposition party currently has put up a spirited fight. A well-organizedcampaign for this particular election and besides it has a white constituency,which still has no other option or home and therefore put in their faith in theDemocratic Alliance," Fikeni pointed out.