Landslide victories show that DA is on track to win the Western Cape

Helen Zille, Leader of the Democratic Alliance
26 March 2009

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has recorded landslide victories in by-elections in Mitchell’s Plain and Parow. This is a clear sign that the DA is on course to win the Western Cape on 22 April. If all our voters turn out on election day, we could win the province with an outright majority.
 
The result of ward 79 (Mitchell’s Plain), where the DA captured the seat previously held by the Independent Democrats (ID), is particularly significant. The DA polled 79.4% (up from 37.8% in 2006), while the ID polled 8% (down from 38.7% in 2006).
 
The resounding victory in Mitchell’s Plain is an endorsement of the DA’s commitment to non-racialism and to improving the circumstances of all through our governance in Cape Town.
 
The Mitchell’s Plain by-election result also indicates that the ID is haemorrhaging support in its former Cape Town strongholds. Opposition voters are consolidating their forces within the DA.
 
In ward 2 (Parow), the DA won 96.5% of the vote (an increase from 83.1% in 2006). The ANC and COPE received 1.3% and 2.2% of the vote respectively. The DA is retaining the support of long-standing DA voters and, contrary to the perception of some analysts, COPE is not a factor in the Western Cape.
 
The other parties can spread as much misinformation about the DA as they like. But the people have spoken. They can see for themselves that life improves where the DA governs. The results of the election on 22 April will show that the DA is the only serious alternative to the ANC.