ANC STATEMENT ON THE CABINET DECISION
TO PROCEED WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

The decision of the National Cabinet today, Wednesday 26 July,
to support the proposal for the Local Government Elections to go
ahead on November 1 is realistic and in the best interests of the
country and its people.

The cabinet has given the country bold and mature leadership out
of uncertainties created by pessimistic suggestions by certain
political parties for the postponement of the elections.

The decision will give the much needed encouragement to those
areas that are ready for elections to pursue their preparations with
vigour.

The need to create automatic dispute resolution mechanisms like
the special Electoral Court to ensure disputes do not continue
indefinitely is welcomed and should spur those areas in Kwazulu-
Natal, Gauteng and Western Cape that still face demarcation problems
to attempt to find speedy solutions to their problems.

The ANC is encouraged that the necessary constitutional
mechanisms will have to be put into place to allow for staggered
elections particularly for those areas that would receive exemption
by applying through their respective Premiers to the Minister.

The ANC reiterates its commitment to give its maximum support to
all efforts that will ensure the success of the November 1 Local
Government Elections.

In this context, the recent National Executive Committee meeting
of the ANC has directed our National Working Committee to pursue
with vigour negotiations with all parties to resolve outstanding
issues in Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

The ANC has noted over the past few months attempts, by the
National Party, DP and the IFP, that seek to perpetuate the spatial
and social divisions of apartheid particularly in KwaZulu-Natal,
Gauteng and the Western Cape.

To this end, the ANC reiterates its call to these political
parties to desist from pursuing narrow partisan political interests
which are premised on racial, ethnic and other undemocratic
considerations. The decision demands of all political parties to
rise above such parochial interests and to act in the best interests
of the nation.

Issued by The Department of Information and Publicity
P.O. Box 61884
Marshalltown
2107
26 July 1995

For more information call Ronnie Mamoepa 0825519158 or
455-6111 code 1693.