JUSTICE IS TRUTH IN ACTION

Issued by: Justice & Freedom Alliance

The Justice and Freedom Alliance (JAFA), a new political
grouping formed in May to content local government elections, views
Minister Roelf Meyer's statement on the local Government elections
with grave misgivings.

The Minister is well aware of the reasons why it will be
impossible to hold a fair election in Gauteng, Western Cape and the
greater metropolitan areas of Kwa-Zulu Natal on 1 November 1995.
Despite this, a cumbersome bureaucratic procedure has been
implemented for extensions to early 1996.

So provision has been made for the extension of the voter
registration date. In view of the total confusion in the public
mind, the Justice and Freedom Alliance (JAFA) regards such an
extension, by at least two months, as essential.

75% of the geographical areas of the country may be ready for a
November 1 election, but the remaining 25% includes a massive
representation of the population and a major percentage of the
economic sector. JAFA, therefore, feels that talk of 75% readiness
is fictitious.

The co-ordination of election logistics will be badly affected
by the Minister's ruling and will disrupt parties' electioneering
activities, resulting in an imbalance after November 1. Smaller
local authorities will be properly constituted, but the major urban
centres will still be in a state of uncertainty and unable to
provide leadership on local government initiatives. As the control
of the various parties is to be found in these regions, it will
inevitably lead to a power struggle.

The Constitution stipulates that the whole country should vote
on the same day. JAFA views the cabinet's decision as a vague
attempt to appease both the African National Congress and the
National Party. As with so many similar compromises, it cannot
succeed.

JAFA has been created to bridge the gap between a disheartened
electorate, who are increasingly seeking an alternative opposition
mouthpiece to air their views, and the Government of National Unity.

ISSUED BY: THE PUBLIC RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
CONTACT: DAVID GRINKER
CONTACT NO: 403-5503 Ext 222