DA announces candidates

LYDENBURG – A press statement was recently released by DA Leader Helen Zille in Johannesburg in which the democratic alliance presented their candidate lists for the 2014 national and provincial elections.

According to the party, their lists for this election represents the most diverse, young and dynamic team that the party has ever presented to the country.

“Most of our new candidates have emerged through the ranks of our party, some have joined us from other parties, and others applied via our public advertisements. All our candidates are committed to the DA’s values and share our vision of an open, opportunity society for all.

Each candidate has undergone a gruelling, multi-layered assessment and selection process over the past six months. Our selection process was rigorous and fair. Our electoral colleges and selection panels from across the country had a difficult task deciding among a pool of candidates of exceptionally high quality,” the party stated.

1 432 aspirant candidates originally applied and the party believes that this is evidence of the DA’s enormous growth over the last few years and the desire for change across South Africa.

“Our successful candidates are drawn from every community and walk of life. Each one of them has demonstrated a commitment to serving their country. For them, public service is a vocation, not a career. Our lists also include the DA’s nine provincial premier candidates, who we are very proud to announce. We believe it is important that every voter knows who their premier would be if the DA was elected to govern in their province.”

It was also mentioned in the statement that there would be many who would be disappointed not to see their names on these lists. “That is the nature of electoral democracy. But to those who did not make it this time, we say ‘thank you’ for your commitment and hard work. In a rapidly expanding party, there will be many more opportunities in the future. And most importantly, in the DA there are many ways to contribute to public service.”

It also said there were candidates whose identities could not be reveal yet because they were presently still in a different political party or organisation. “They are in the process of informing their leadership and resigning from their positions.”

“We are of course delighted at the exceptional group of people that now forms our candidate team for the 2014 election. They are the DA’s team who will change South Africa in the coming years. They are talented, energetic and committed. We are very proud, and pleased, to be able to offer this team to South Africa. The DA’s premier candidate for Mpumalanga, Mr Anthony Benadie made it onto the list.