Date: 29/03/2004
Source: New National Party
Title: M van Schalkwyk: Election 2004 Will be Won and Lost on Credibility


In 14 days, when voters are asked to choose a party that will best represent their interests, the real issue of Election 2004 will emerge. It is the issue that separates parties who choose wild promises and false commitments, from those who choose real and honest delivery. It is the issue that will set apart political leaders who campaign on fear and arrogance, from those who campaign on hope and partnership. It is the central theme of political responsibility and maturity. Election 2004 will be won and lost on the issue of credibility.

The NNP’s message is the only credible option for non-ANC voters in Election 2004. Our agreement with the ANC means that we will be in Government after this election – both in the provinces and at the national level.

Working in Government does not mean that the NNP will necessarily share the beliefs or the policies of the ANC – we simply agree to find the best solutions for every South African community. What it does mean though, is that we will be in a position to offer voters a voice in decision-making, a stake in the future, and a fair share in the New South Africa. This is the NNP Guarantee – and it is absolute.

Far less credible are the messages, promises, and commitments of parties like the DA – which has built an election campaign around three core issues which seek to mislead voters:

* The DA claim to be an alternative Government is by far the least credible message in Election 2004. Who ever heard of a Government with only 8% of the national vote? Even the most sympathetic opinion polls place the DA’s chances to ever form a Government in the realm of right-wing fantasy, especially with support that has more than halved from 22%. Who ever heard of a Government that represents only one community? When a senior DA leader admits that their party is for the white elite, and Tony Leon refuses to publicly correct him, the lie of alternative Government is exposed for all to see.

* The politics of fear, as driven by the DA, has centered on the undertaking that the DA will oppose the ANC at every turn. Even this central belief of the DA has been betrayed. Who can forget that in 1994 it was the DP in the Northern Cape whose voted in support of the ANC Premier to secure the position of Speaker in the Provincial Parliament? Or the more recent undertaking by the leader of the DA in the Western Cape when elected just over a year ago, who promised that cooperation with the ANC was possible? Where is the credibility?
* Even the most basic DA promises about delivery are made by leaders who know that they will never need to implement them. Claims about creating jobs have no credibility when you will never be in Government. Promises to appoint new police are hollow words from a party that will always be in opposition. In the Western Cape particularly, a vote for the DA is a wasted vote on a party that has no hope of ever having a say in Government.

On 14 April South Africans will choose, in vast numbers, to reject the false promises of parties like the DA, that lack credibility and underestimate the intelligence of voters.

The NNP will continue to offer the people of every South African community a voice in Government, and a chance to secure a fair share in our future success. This is the foundation of our accord with voters, and it is the most credible message of hope in Election 2004.