The Congress of the People (COPE) has reacted critically to former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils’ “Vote No” campaign, which calls for voters to vote for partites other than the ANC or, if they feel that no other option represents their interests, to spoil their votes.
 
The “Vote No” campaign, headed by Kasrils and former deputy health minister, Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, is aimed at encouraging dissatisfied voters to express their frustration with the ruling party on 7 May.
 
“While the Congress of the People agrees absolutely that voters need to take a stand against the ANC and condemn the corruption it embodies,” says COPE President, Mosiuoa Lekota “we do not believe that spoiling votes is a viable tactic.
 
“Spoiling votes disempowers voters,” added Lekota, “and does not enable them to effect the change that the country needs. We urge voters to take action, not by spoiling their votes, but by voting COPE.”