I'd say this is the main reason I think the VF+ is less radical than the EFF. The EFF's counter is probably more like the AWB.
Yes, at least the VF's leadership is vastly more civilized and responsible. I do get the impression though that the party attracts a great deal of the openly racist and theocratic vote, partly because there isn't really anyone else they can vote for, except perhaps Dan Roodt's outfit, which everyone knows is a wasted vote. :-)
I think it's a toss-up whether this is possible at all. Time will tell I guess.
If he doesn't manage to assert control, the ANC will likely not get 50% next time. Then it will be coalition government time, and an excellent opportunity for smaller parties.
I see Max du Preez suggested that the responsible part of the ANC and the DA should actually merge. They have pretty much similar policies anyway. Then the Zuma-ites and EFF can work together, and we'd have a large and fairly middle of the road party, with some smaller ones on the left and right.
I suppose it isn't a very likely scenario, and it's risky too. Such a new party might lose all support the two separate ones had.
Anyhow, I did vote purple cow, and I feel really happy I did. I don't think I "wasted" a vote because it now feels, more than ever, that they needed every single vote they got. It feels like it mattered, if only to legitimise them for next time. I think, getting as close as they did.... with a 6-7 week campaign on a shoe-string budget, Compared to how much noise a "party" like the BLF makes.... is still pretty damn impressive. I'm glad my vote didn't get drowned in a sea of votes for a party I don't believe in anyway.
I agree. They actually didn't do half bad for a recently formed party; such new parties seldom get much traction the first time round. They must now just keep doing what they do and not make the mistake of the Libertarian party and KISS. The libertarians are so busy fighting internecine wars over the finer points of ideology that they never get around to even putting up a candidate. And KISS never bothered to even have a website, let alone such things as regular blog posts and press releases. The stupid party name also made it look like a loony outfit, which it probably was.
If the purple cow plays her cards right, they will get many more votes next time. They must just stay away from too much ideology, keep on focusing on actual plans, and keep up their visibility by regular updates on their website, and regular press releases about current issues. If they do that they may well have my vote again next time, because I have resolved that at least for national elections, I will henceforth vote my conscience or I will not vote at all.
Incidentally, speaking of Africa's politics, I'm reading Keith Richburg's
Out of America at the moment. Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/113393.Out_of_AmericaVery refreshing indeed to see a black man tell it like it is. You can't very well accuse him of racism! He mercilessly asks all those uncomfortable questions, e.g. why exactly are Asian countries with a recent history of brutal colonialism and civil war, such as Korea and Vietnam, doing so much better than Africa? Why is it that you can criticize almost any government for almost anything, but the moment you criticize an African country you're suddenly a racist and neocolonialist? Why is that black American leaders, of all people, would share stages with some of the worst human rights violators in history, and wax lyrical about how great they are?
Well, I'm not done yet, but thus far a very interesting read.