STEVEN FRIEDMAN: Recent by-elections show how ANC conference could make or break it in 2019 polls
Losses in rural as well as industrial areas, and the SACP’s decision to contest elections, mean the party can no longer rely on voter loyalty and tired rhetoric
06 December 2017 - 05:50
It is now clearer than ever that what the ANC does this month will decide whether it wins a majority in 2019. If it does not produce leaders and behaviours that win back voter trust and make its alliance partners comfortable, it is likely to sink below 50%. This was signalled by last week’s by-elections, in particular that at Metsimaholo. Like everything else that happens in our politics, they were met by position-taking and point-scoring that ignored the important message they sent.
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