Experts warn not to underestimate the MK Party

The Umkhonto Wesizwe or, the MK Party, will play a key role in the upcoming elections, and its impact should not be underestimated, says political analyst Wayne Sussman.

He told the Mail & Guardian that according to recent by-elections in KwaZulu Natal (KZN), the MK party showed that it could take away votes from the bigger parties such as the ANC, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

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MK PARTY COULD DEAL A SERIOUS BLOW TO ANC IN KZN

According to a survey conducted by the Social Research Foundation (SRF), which interviewed 820 people in KwaZulu-Natal between January 31 and February 7, showed that the MK party could seriously blow ANC’s bid to retain the province after the elections.

The SRF poll predicts that with a 66% voter turnout, the MK could win 24% of votes in KwaZulu-Natal. The ANC is projected to win 25%, the DA 15%, the IFP 24%, the EFF 5% and others 6%.

KZN HAS 5.7 MILLION REGISTERED VOTERS AND GAUTENG 7 MILLION

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says more than 5.7 million people in KZN are registered to vote in the elections. Only Gauteng has more voters, with almost 7 million registered voters.

KZN is one of the battleground provinces, and according to most polls, the province will see a coalition government in power. The MK is targeting Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga in the elections and has claimed it’s aiming to win a two-thirds majority.

SMALLER PARTIES EXPECTED TO CONTEST ELECTIONS

Another aspect of the MK Party and its associated organisations became apparent last weekend when church leaders and party members attended the All African Alliance Movement (AAAM) conference to forge closer ties.

Many smaller and newer parties are expected to contest the election. But very few of them have received as much attention as the MK party.