Photo for illustration only. (Photo: ANA)
The IVP has agreed to hold talks with anyone who “shares its values and principles” regarding the possibility of putting together a multi-party pact for next year’s election.
With his re-election as the DA leader, John Steenhuisen invited, among other things, the IVP to form a so-called “Moonshot” pact with like-minded political parties, civil rights groups and civil organizations so that the ANC can be ousted, the EFF can stay out of government, and to establish a new national opposition coalition government.
“The IVP has always done what is in the best interest of the country. Although the IVP has not entered into a national opposition coalition government agreement with any party, we believe there is a need for political parties to talk about this,” says Mkhuleko Hlengwa, spokesperson for the party.
While some political parties have already expressed their support for the possible pact, others are worried that the DA will use other parties as “pawns” and adopt a “big brother” mentality.
The IVP also warned the DA against this, and says that an inclusive environment of involvement must instead be created for the pact to work successfully.
According to Hlengwa, the IVP will accept the DA’s invitation and share its insight on other countries that have a long history of successful coalition governments with the convention.
“We will not give in to our ideals and will approach the discussions from a foundation of extensive experience gained over the years,” he says.
“The IVP knows what works and what doesn’t when it comes to political pacts. We will therefore offer our wisdom to this convention in the hope that it can avoid the common mistakes that have weakened previous relations between opposition parties.”
The IVP is particularly concerned about the state of affairs in Ekurhuleni and Tshwane, where coalition governments are taking the lead.
“What South Africans are now hoping for, and what they are asking for, is that like-minded parties start investigating successful working relationships so that we can steer our country out of crisis,” says Hlengwa.
“The IVP is heeding this cry for help, therefore it is time for a constructive involvement with parties that want to form a new government.”
