DA leader Helen Zille has been nominated unopposed to lead the party into the 2014 national and provincial elections – but a battle is expected in the run-up to its federal congress next month, with 18 people contesting seven other positions.

Controversial MP Masizole Mnqasela is challenging party policy guru Wilmot James for his position of federal chairman. James Selfe, who has been DA federal council chairman for more than a decade, is not facing any challenge after former parliamentary leader Athol Trollip decided not to stand against him.

The DA, which holds its fifth federal congress next month, announced the nominations in Joburg this morning.

The three positions of deputy federal chairperson are the most hotly contested. Two incumbents – MPs Anchen Dreyer and Dianne Kohler Barnard – are standing for re-election, while the third, Ivan Meyer, is stepping down after being elected Western Cape DA leader at the weekend.

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