COPE ELECTS NEW LEADERS
Johannesburg - The Congress of the People (COPE) today announced its new national leadership elected at the party's first ever-National Congress, held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
More than 700 delegates attended the National Congress, representing the party's provincial, youth and regional structures.
The election process, a first in South African politics, was conducted through an electronic voting system with results broadcast live to delegates and to the rest of the world through live streaming.
COPE's Head of Communications, Johann Abrie, says COPE employed the services of various experts including the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), an independent body whose mission is to promote democracy. EISA was tasked with handling the entire process which included receiving and vetting delegates eligible to stand for national office, running and monitoring the entire electronic voting process, and ensuring the complete transparency and integrity of the process.
Party delegates elected Mosioua Lekota as party resident by an overwhelming majority, while trade union veteran Willy Madisha was elected Deputy President.
Said Mosioua Lekota: "I am honoured to have been elected as President of COPE and I vow to uphold the ideals of the organisation and to do everything in my power to guide it to its rightful place in South African politics. Never before has opposition to the ruling party been more necessary in our country, and I will work tirelessly within COPE structures to ensure robust, game-changing opposition."
Lyndall Shope-Mafole was elected General Secretary, Deidre Carter was elected as Deputy General Secretary and Johnny Huang was elected to the position of Treasurer.
Following an amendment to the party's constitution, the party resolved to create the position of party chairperson. Pakes Dikgetsi was subsequently elected to the position of National Chairperson.
Abrie says he is immensely proud of the way the entire election process was handled and the dignified manner in which the National Congress was progressing. "Delegates from various structures raised contentious issues during our deliberations as any democratic institutions would. What is noteworthy is the maturity demonstrated by our party delegates and the willingness to constructively reach consensus," says Abrie.
"We have demonstrated clearly that COPE is a mature organisation that is vibrant and ready to campaign for a better future for all South Africans."
Statement issued by COPE, January 12 2014
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