BY REGINALD KANYANE

Congress National Committee which is Cope’s highest decision making body in between congresses has as per the directives of the extra-ordinary national congress in June, adopted a ground-breaking constitution.

The new constitution, in our view, stands above the constitutions of other political parties in South Africa.

Cope spokesperson, Dennis Bloem said: “It allows the rank and file membership to directly elect its President. This is consistent with our call, since inception, that the President of South Africa, the premiers and all mayors should be elected directly by the people.”

He said Cope members, not delegates as is currently the norm, will now exercise the right to decide who should be their President. Voting will take place through the use of modern communication technology.

Bloem said South Africa will remember that that Cope was the first political party in the history of our country to hold a successful National Conference where all decisions were taken by using an electronic voting system.

“We are now poised to change the political landscape of the country for the better. To this end we will assume our rightful position in the politics of our country.

“We are pleased to announce that our election machinery is in place. We have also formulated our strategies and plans for the forthcoming local government elections. These elections will be an acid test of our resolve to achieve renewal and to make progress,” he said.

The CNC also expressed concern about the state of our economy. Cope said job losses and spiralling unemployment remain a challenge which begs a common response from all South African voters irrespective of party affiliation.

“Cope will continue to lead the way. We will intensify our campaigns to defend the Judiciary and chapter 9 institutions. This includes the office of the Public Protector which has had to contend with an unprecedented barrage of attacks from the ruling party alliance.

“We also condemn the senseless killings of our police officers whose sterling work cannot be overemphasised. We note from media reports that in past weekend at least two police officers were killed,” Bloem said.

-TDN

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