Elections 2004

Eastern Cape

Party	Seats in Eastern Cape Legislature (63)
ANC	49
DA	6
NNP	1
UDM	7
PAC	1

• The ANC is tipped to retain an overwhelming majority in the province. For opposition parties, especially the official opposition, the United Democratic Movement (UDM), the challenge is how effectively it will retain its tenuous support, given the heavy losses it suffered in floor crossing in 2003.

• The UDM’s economic differences with the ANC are over implementation. The underlying message is that most South African parties have moved to the centre in terms of economic vision, and do not challenge the ANC fundamentally, despite the criticism on policy implementation.

• The other central issue of Eastern Cape politics centres on traditional leaders and which party best represents their interest.

Voters:

With respect to the enthusiasm of voters, despite the misgivings of apathy, the situation in the province is very appealing. By the second election drive, the IEC had registered 2.76 million voters out of an estimated 3.6 million voters, 77 % of those eligible. 

Main challenges in the province:

• The Eastern Cape’s legacy is serious poverty and the administrative problems that resulted from the establishment of new government systems out of the amalgamation of the former Bantustans of Ciskei and Transkei with the Cape Provincial Administration. This led to serious dislocation in government, exemplified in problems such as corruption, maladministration and unemployment. However, opposition parties have been unable to take advantage of these problems and the critical issue to address the reasons why. 

• The province has the lowest incidence of HIV infection in residents over two years old. Despite having the fourth highest share of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), the province has the most people living in poverty and also the highest infant mortality rate.