Ramaphosa plays the long game with election date

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, says the ANC and President Cyril Ramaphosa are buying time by delaying the announcement of the election date, hoping that the opposition parties will make mistakes during the pre-election champagning.

Malema, there was no justifiable reason for the delay as Ramaphosa announced the 2019 election date during a State of the Nation Address (Sona), but the presidency spokesperson said Ramaphosa would announce the date within 15 days from 8 February.

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa ashamed of his record in government: DA Chief Whip

DEAL WITH RAMAPHOSA SAYS MALEMA

“Look to see that you are dealing with a crook; the election date was announced during the State of the Nation address in 2019,” said Malema. He said at the time, the so-called “Ramaphoria” was the reason he announced the date earlier; he was famous.

“You know why he did that? Because he was still hot at the time. He knew, ‘ I can’t postpone this; I must hit while the iron is still hot.’ He announced it because he knew all ratings were like ‘the man.’”

ALSO READ: Julius Malema calls for SANDF’s return from the DRC

POLL RESULTS SHOW ANC DECLINE

Meanwhile, the polls show the ANC is likely to dip below 50%, with some polling even suggesting the governing party could drop to below 40% due to corruption scandals, severe power outages, rampant crime, and the collapse of essential services.

Malema says the ANC hopes the opposition will make a mistake during the campaign period that may assist the ANC’s electoral fortunes. 

ALSO READ: Matshela Koko and Brian Molefe awaiting EFF deployment

RAMAPHOSA’ NOT BUDGING’ WITH ELECTIONS DATE

“This guy [Ramaphosa] is hiding the thing [election date]. He’s not talking; he’s not budging. I don’t know, he thinks he can buy himself some time,” said Malema.

According to the constitution, the elections have to be held 90 days after the expiry of the current term.