Reports circulating about the Congress of the People (COPE) being deregistered as a political party have been debunked by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
IEC clears the air on ‘COPE deregistered as a political party’ rumours
As reported by Times Live, the IEC clarified that COPE remains a registered party eligible to participate in the upcoming 2024 national and provincial elections.
However, recent developments have revealed that COPE has been deregistered as a company under the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) in accordance with the Companies Act.
This revelation came to light through correspondence from lawyers representing former deputy leader Willie Madisha.
The letter, aimed at clarifying COPE’s status with the electoral body, explained that the party had been registered with the CIPC in November 2008, just before its formation in December of the same year.
The deregistration as a company does not imply the party’s deregistration as a political entity eligible to contest elections.
Leadership turmoil plagues Lekota’s organisation
COPE has been grappling with internal leadership conflicts, which have added to the turbulence within the party. Party leader Mosiuoa Lekota’s decision to remove Madisha and national secretary of elections Mzwandile Hleko led to an ongoing power struggle.
Lekota expelled Madisha and Hleko from the party, accusing them of “ill-discipline, misconduct, and attempting to carry out a coup” against his leadership.
Dennis Bloem, the party’s spokesperson, received a notice of intent to expel him as well. However, reports suggest that Bloem has requested time to present his case and defend his membership within the party.
Madisha, Hleko, and Bloem maintain that they enjoy support from various provincial party structures and argue that their removal from office and the organization was unlawful.
The internal conflicts and deregistration as a company pose significant challenges for COPE as it strives to maintain cohesion and relevance in the political landscape.
The party’s future will depend on how it navigates these obstacles, resolves its leadership disputes, and regains stability within its ranks.