Geordin Hill-Lewis The DA won 418 council seats across the Western Cape, but coalition negotiations lie ahead in 16 of the province’s 25 municipalities.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has begun preparing for coalition negotiations after securing 418 council seats and about 54% of the combined vote across the Western Cape’s 25 municipalities. But with 16 councils still hung, the party will need support from other political formations to establish administrations in those municipalities.
The party’s Federal Executive resolved on Saturday, 7 November, to initiate discussions with political parties in municipalities where no party secured an outright majority.
In a statement issued by DA Federal Council chairperson Ashor Sarupen, the party said it had emerged as the largest party in several municipalities, often with a significant lead over its closest competitors.
“In many of these municipalities, the DA has emerged as the largest party, often with a significant lead over our nearest competitor.”
The DA secured 418 council seats across the province, compared with 130 for the African National Congress (ANC) and 91 for the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
It secured outright majorities in nine municipalities, while 16 councils remain hung. The IEC previously reported that two Western Cape municipalities had secured outright majorities when only part of the provincial count had been completed. The IEC counting process was still under way at the time of that report.
The prospect of coalition governments had been a major issue ahead of the election, with parties outlining their positions and conditions for potential partners. Western Cape parties set out their coalition red lines before voters went to the polls.
DA outlines principles for coalition negotiations
The DA said it would initiate discussions with parties that share its commitment to clean and accountable government, rooting out corruption, service delivery for all, the rule of law and non-racialism.
“These principles will form the foundation of our approach to coalition negotiations,” the party said.
It added that its objective was to establish stable municipal governments that prioritised residents and service delivery.
“Our objective is to establish stable, effective governments that put residents first, restore accountability, and deliver the services communities deserve.”
The party said it would approach negotiations with humility and respect for voters’ choices.
“The DA approaches these discussions with humility, and we will respect the will of the voters. Voters have given a clear mandate, and we are determined to ensure that the governments formed after this election reflect the need for stability and delivery.”
The DA has also previously outlined its position on coalition partners and the conditions it would apply when considering potential agreements.
Federal Executive to oversee negotiations
The DA said coalition discussions would be coordinated nationally under the authority of its Federal Executive to ensure a consistent approach across the country.
The party said it was ready to work with other political formations that shared its principles as it seeks to establish stable municipal governments.
The negotiations will determine how the DA works with other parties in the 16 Western Cape municipalities where it did not secure an outright majority.