The vision of the Democratic Alliance is grounded on the defence, promotion and extension of the following principles :

• the fundamental rights and freedoms of every person - including the right to freedom of conscience, speech, association, and movement;
• the rejection of unfair discrimination on any grounds;
• the supremacy of the South African constitution and the rule of law;
• the language, cultural and religious rights of individuals and the communities they create through free association;
• equality before the law;
• the separation of legislative, executive and judicial power.
• a judiciary that is independent;
• elections that are regular, free and fair;
• representative and accountable government elected on the basis of universal adult suffrage;
• the devolution of power to locate government as close as possible to the people;
• the clear division between the ruling party and the state;
• respect for the right or a vibrant civil society and a free media to function independently;
• the rejection of violence and intimidation as a political instrument;
• the right of all people to private ownership and to participate freely in the market economy;
• the progressive realisation of access to housing, health services and social security for all people who are unable to help themselves;
• the protection and conservation of the environment;
• the right of all people to protection by the state from crime and violence; access to education and training.