ELECTIONS-REACT

JOHANNESBURG July 26 Sapa

ANC, NP support Cabinet decision to proceed with elections

The Cabinet's decision to go ahead with local government
elections in all provinces on November 1 was welcomed by the
African National Congress and the National Party on Wednesday.

The ANC said the decision was "realistic" and in the "best
interests of the country and its people".

NP local government spokesman Jaco Maree called on provincial
governments to strictly adhere to timetables and for the elections
to be conducted in a democratic manner.

The ANC said in a statement the decision would encourage those
areas ready for elections to pursue preparations with vigour.

It welcomed the establishment of automatic dispute resolution
mechanisms such as the special Electoral Court to ensure disputes
did not continue indefinitely.

This should spur those areas in KwaZulu/Natal, Gauteng and
Western Cape that still faced demarcation problems to find speedy
solutions.

The ANC's National Executive Committee had directed its
National Working Committee to urgently pursue talks with all
parties to resolve outstanding disputes in Gauteng, Western Cape
and KwaZulu/Natal, the statement added.