A tale of Hung councils

(A Story of undecided municipalities)

The balance of forces hung in the balance as some municipalities are looking for majority councils. The main contestation seems to be between the two parties (ANC and DA). These two parties are competing for EFF’s affection to be a partner in a marriage of convenient. The truth of the matter is that both the ANC and DA need EFF more than it need them. As a Kingmaker, EFF is the only party which is in good position to get a good deal in these hung municipalities.  No party would want to lead a minority council, not even DA or ANC.

 The bride (EFF) has a BIG choice to make, either to marry the first groom (DA) OR the opposite (ANC) or remain neutral. The reality of marriage is not that simple for the young EFF. It has to make sure that the choice it will make is the right one. It certainly does not want to go into marriage/ relationship that will be abusive or not good for its growth and militancy approach. The EFF will have to go into bed/ coalition that will be beneficial to its growth, coalition government that will certainly give it an opportunity to gain experience as a government rather than an opposition party. I will repeat: no political party will want to lead a minority government. This is certainly a great opportunity for EFF to make inroads into the shoes (politics) of both ANC and DA. None of these parties would want to compromise their political ideologies or policies to appease the other party.  As the ANC and the DA would be looking for EFF’s affection and support in the council, this could be used to manipulate and control decisions in the council.

On the other side, the DA and the ANC need the EFF to govern, but they certainly do not want to go into government with a partner that will compromise their policy positions.  There has been a big difference between economic policies of ANC, DA and EFF, especially on the land issue and nationalisation. One wonders how will these parties able to agree on simple thing like a budget if they can’t see one solution to economic challenges faced by RSA.

There will be nothing certain about our coming coalition government because parties can form new coalitions and turn the tables in these municipalities by changing the rules; e.g. parties can decide overnight to change the Mayor or the rules.