DA to call for early election

2008-02-08 00:00

Sue Segar

Cape Town — Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille will, next week, table a motion in Parliament to dissolve the National Assembly in order for a fresh election to be held.

Zille slammed Thabo Mbeki for failing to confront the realities facing South Africa head-on and said it is now time for the people of South Africa to decide on the state of the nation.

Zille gave notice of her intention within hours of Mbeki completing his state of the nation address.

Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille welcomed Zille’s call, saying her motion of no-confidence in the government and Zille’s will achieve the same end.

ANC president Jacob Zuma, on the other hand, said there is no need for a vote of no confidence.

"I believe we have an exciting year ahead in terms of what the government wants to do. The president is doing things in an unusual way, an extraordinary way. The mood of the country is good," Zuma said.

Asked whether he agreed with the call for a vote of no confidence, Zuma replied: "Why? I have never understood why people are calling for that. It is just the opposition parties. The opposition should try to come up with something more innovative."

Asked whether he would welcome an early election, Zuma said: "Why? There is no problem. Why should we have an early election?"

Asked for his comments on the integration of the Scorpions into the SAPS, Zuma said he agreed with the move. "We are in the process of revamping the system, as part of the process to fight crime," he said.

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