As if the country needs any more political upheavals, the floor-crossing period is almost upon us. And just as Thabo Mbeki’s sacking of the Deputy Health Minister has drawn criticism from across the spectrum, so should the nation unite against these turncoats.
Research has shown floor-crossing is a huge voter turn-off, as shown by the wholesale rejection of these people at local elections in Cape Town and Pretoria. The DA, IFP and ID have all expressed disgust at this betrayal of voters’ choices. Even the ANC, which largely benefited from the last floor-crossing period two years ago, has recognised public antipathy. Mbeki has conceded there needs to be more debate within Parliament on the issue.
As far as we are concerned no debate is needed. The legislation enabling floor-crossing should be dumped. Until it is the electorate must be outspoken in condemning the practice.
Those who choose to change parties in September should be left up a creek without a paddle. They diminish our hard-won democracy. We do not need these self-seeking and opportunistic public representatives.