The DA's motion to dissolve parliament, thereby forcing an early election, was irrational, and will break the wave of optimism amongst voters that was so evident with the motion of no confidence in the president, says Dr. Pieter Groenewald, leader of the FF Plus.
Dr. Groenewald said in the parliamentary debate on the motion that the Electoral Commission would not be able to prepare sufficiently within three months to ensure a free and fair election.
"With the previous election, more than 266 000 workers were needed to ensure the election went smoothly. It is impossible to appoint and train so many people in ninety days.
"What would the consequences be if this motion would be successful today? First of all, it should be borne in mind that an election will be held nationality within ninety days, and in 2019 another election again at provincial level.
"This means three elections within five years, which are simply not affordable to the taxpayers of South Africa. That money can be better used to improve service delivery.
"This was not a serious decision by the DA. The DA’s leader is not even here. With the motion of no confidence, there was real optimism amongst the voters of South Africa. They became politically involved and realized that you can vote for any political party of your choice that shares your values and you can therefore contribute to a change in government,” Dr. Groenewald said.
Dr. Groenewald also criticized the ANC strongly and said the purpose of the motion was not to derive the ANC's attention from service delivery as an ANC speaker has argued.
"The ANC is diverting its own attention from service delivery, and even misuses state resources in the infighting of its leadership struggle," Dr. Groenewald said.
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