ActionSA Ready to Be a Constructive Opposition that Holds the ‘Grand Coalition’ Government to Account
Athol Trollip
ActionSA Parliamentary Caucus Leader
Following today’s deliberations by the ActionSA Caucus in the National Assembly, the Party has resolved that since none of the parties involved in the “Grand coalition” have had the courtesy to advise us what the composition is of the proposed government we cannot in good faith vote for the candidates for the offices of President, Speaker or Deputy Speaker at today’s inaugural meeting as this would be tantamount to voting for a “pig in a poke”.
This decision is taken against the context of ActionSA being an uncompromised opposition party that will deal with each decision in Parliament on its merits and in the interest of SA and its people. Given that the negotiated grand coalition did not possess the humility to engage ActionSA about the candidates they would nominate, ActionSA’s support will be withheld.
ActionSA will not vote for candidates without the knowledge of how the cabinet will be formed, the reduction of ministries, the removal from contention of those implicated in state capture and the fitness for purpose of those nominated to head ministries. ActionSA will not support a ‘lucky packet’ government.
While ActionSA is aware that our support will likely not be material to the outcome of the election today, we offer the free advice from a party with leaders who have run successful coalitions – just because you don’t need someone today doesn’t mean you won’t need them tomorrow.
ActionSA is troubled by the tone set by this government when it believes it is above engaging and consultating with the opposition. It causes the very real concern that this grand coalition will govern with disdain for the opposition. Our young democracy has seen arrogant majority governments treating the opposition with disdain which makes it surprising that this mooted “Grand coalition” government has gotten off on the same footing so quickly.
ActionSA will seek engagements with representatives of this grand coalition in the coming days to invite a more engaging and consultative working relationship with opposition parties going forward.
It is hoped that the grand coalition government learns from this experience that ActionSA will be a constructive opposition with our support being available on the merits of the decision in question. This will be a precondition to this engagement and consultation.
ActionSA Ready to Be a Constructive Opposition that Holds the ‘Grand Coalition’ Government to Account
Following today’s deliberations by the ActionSA Caucus in the National Assembly, the Party has resolved that since none of the parties involved in the “Grand coalition” have had the courtesy to advise us what the composition is of the proposed government we cannot in good faith vote for the candidates for the offices of President, Speaker or Deputy Speaker at today’s inaugural meeting as this would be tantamount to voting for a “pig in a poke”.
This decision is taken against the context of ActionSA being an uncompromised opposition party that will deal with each decision in Parliament on its merits and in the interest of SA and its people. Given that the negotiated grand coalition did not possess the humility to engage ActionSA about the candidates they would nominate, ActionSA’s support will be withheld.
ActionSA will not vote for candidates without the knowledge of how the cabinet will be formed, the reduction of ministries, the removal from contention of those implicated in state capture and the fitness for purpose of those nominated to head ministries. ActionSA will not support a ‘lucky packet’ government.
While ActionSA is aware that our support will likely not be material to the outcome of the election today, we offer the free advice from a party with leaders who have run successful coalitions – just because you don’t need someone today doesn’t mean you won’t need them tomorrow.
ActionSA is troubled by the tone set by this government when it believes it is above engaging and consultating with the opposition. It causes the very real concern that this grand coalition will govern with disdain for the opposition. Our young democracy has seen arrogant majority governments treating the opposition with disdain which makes it surprising that this mooted “Grand coalition” government has gotten off on the same footing so quickly.
ActionSA will seek engagements with representatives of this grand coalition in the coming days to invite a more engaging and consultative working relationship with opposition parties going forward.
It is hoped that the grand coalition government learns from this experience that ActionSA will be a constructive opposition with our support being available on the merits of the decision in question. This will be a precondition to this engagement and consultation.