The Congress of the People notes the timing and the flawed nature of the poll released by Ipsos/Markinor yesterday. We have noted the trend of trying to release information or stories about the party closer to any major activity whose aim is to down play the important role that COPE continues to play in our country.

A cursory examination of the poll results show that actual support for COPE stands at 10% of those polled in this exercise. 2% said they would definitely vote for COPE and 8% said that they could. Prior to the election, pollsters, including Ipsos/Markinor made a similar error when they predicted COPE would get between 2% and 3% of the vote. History records that COPE got 7,4%. Polls of this nature and the interpretation of them is always a matter of some or other bias, as is revealed in the nature of the questions asked in this poll.

COPE does NOT believe that this poll reflects the reality on the ground.

This is borne out by COPE’s performance in by-elections. The party has consistently polled upwards of 7% and has even won by-elections, with over 50% of the vote, in a number of provinces. Furthermore it is not clear whether this poll was just a poll about COPE. Given the fawning accolades made in the same press release by Ipsos/Markinor of our political competition, we would like to see similar results for other parties if they exist, or get an explanation from Ipsos/Markinor why this was not done.

As was acknowledged by the President of COPE in his speech to the first anniversary rally in Kimberley yesterday, it is clear that some aspects of the performance of the party have been weak or poor. This has largely been due to limited resources and the process of setting up structures of the party, but the party acknowledges that perceptions of leadership battles in the party, limited and weak campaigns, limited communication of policy positions of the party and interim structures have all contributed to the impression that the party does not offer a clear and credible alternative to other political formations in the country.

The leadership has begun to address these issues and in 2010 these will be a priority. The membership system and membership cards are being issued and branches are being launched across the country. This will anchor our supporters in every part of the country and allow them to build support in communities. Sectoral formations of women, youth and students are being established and contacts and networking with business, labour, religious organisations and other civil society formations is being prioritised.

On the question of unity of the leadership, both the President and Deputy President of the party have stated publicly that they would abide by and support the outcome of any leadership election in the party were such to take place. These two leaders have consistently worked with one another, often sharing platforms, attending meetings in various structures together, with an absolutely clear message, in a comradely, congenial and collegial atmosphere. No nominations have been made for any leadership positions in the party. There is therefore no disunity or any leadership battle. If a leadership contest takes place for any position in the party, this will be done in accordance with the leadership election protocol the party will adopt.

The party will be having a policy conference early in the new year and will communicate on any outstanding or changed policy positions in that process.

The first anniversary rally in Kimberley yesterday showed that COPE supporters from all provinces in South Africa were prepared to travel sometimes for hours by road, to participate in this celebration. The party ends this first year on a high note, with elected representatives in all provincial legislatures, the National Assembly and the NCOP, with constituency offices being opened all over the country and with preparations for the local government election campaign well underway.

For further information, please contact Phillip Dexter on 082 453 4088