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- The EFF calls for the reopening of the political space in South Africa.
- He says he will go to court if this is not done.
- He maintains that it is undemocratic not to allow political meetings with the looming local government elections.
The EFF has called for the “reopening of the political space in South Africa”, and has said that if it does not do so, they will approach the courts to challenge the constitutionality of the ban on political gatherings under the blocking regulations.
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“The EFF calls for the reopening of political space in South Africa. The reopening will mean that all political parties can hold political meetings, physically attend municipal councils, legislatures and parliaments,” a party statement read.
“This should happen with strict adherence to the health protocols necessary to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. It has been almost 12 months since South African political spaces were restricted as government officials continue to participate in programs that require oversight and scrutiny. closest “.
The EFF noted that many workplaces, “including large factories and mines, are now reopened and many even have larger numbers of people.”
“So it is irrational to keep closing the political space. Therefore, we demand that all political spaces be reopened so that we can get involved in programs and activities that hold the government accountable.”
The party is currently involved in a process to postpone the 2021 local government elections, but said it appears the elections will take place before the end of November.
“Disallowing political programs and activities is therefore undemocratic and irrational because political parties cannot prepare for elections freely and fairly. Denying political parties to freely campaign for elections is unconstitutional and violates the law. essence of a democratic order.
“We will write to the President of the State (sic) to demand the immediate reopening of political space so that we can all participate in the political programs and activities necessary to challenge the status quo.”
“Refusing to do so will require us to take additional steps, including approaching the courts, to challenge the constitutionality of closing political space while many people gather in workplaces, shopping malls, restaurants and religious gatherings. We will do so because denying the people The right to democratically challenge the government in office is an affront to the Constitution and the democratic order. “
This stance appears to be a sudden change of mind for the EFF.
At President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 11, no EFF deputies were present in the National Assembly chamber for the joint session, and they participated in last week’s debate on SONA through the virtual platform.
While the EFF said it intended to go to court if its demand was not met, in the SONA debate, its leader, Julius Malema, made unsubstantiated claims that the judiciary received funding from the CR17 campaign, echoing a statement by former president accused of corruption Jacob Zuma. , with whom he had tea recently.
The party also promoted strict lockdown measures last year when the government relaxed some regulations.
However, Malema was seen partying in December last year when the second wave of infections began.
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