‘No one’s beds we are lying in’: DA rules out talks with MK Party ahead of elections

The DA has firmly ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition with the MK Party ahead of the upcoming local government elections, with party chair Dean Macpherson stating that the party is fully committed to securing an outright majority and implementing its manifesto without any political compromise. Macpherson emphasized that the DA is not in discussions with any other political parties and that there are no "beds we are lying in" as they prepare for the November 4 elections.

He made it clear that the DA wants to win the elections on its own, without relying on any coalition partners.

Macpherson noted that the DA's priority is to secure a majority that would enable them to implement their manifesto without having to negotiate with other parties. He reaffirmed the party's determination to achieve this goal and stated that they are confident they can win the majority they are seeking. The DA will continue to focus on their election campaign and remain dedicated to their policy agenda.

The DA has also announced its mayoral candidates for uMhlathuze and Ray Nkonyeni, as well as the defection of former ActionSA KwaDukuza mayoral candidate Halalisani Ndlovu to the DA. Macpherson defended the party's candidate-selection process, explaining that it is more rigorous and transparent than that of other political parties.

Candidates must go through several stages, including interviews and submitting detailed work plans, before being selected. This process aims to prevent political patronage and ensure that candidates' personal relationships with senior party figures do not influence their placement on electoral lists. The DA has submitted all its candidate lists to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and is ready for the elections.