Will it break through or bounce back?Malema stands up to SA's political glass sealing
Julius Malema has been many things to many people. Mob instigators, extremists, populists, showmen, and even self-proclaimed demigods.
And he doesn't hide his ambitions. Julius Malema wants to be number one in this country.
“When I run, I always want to be the best. or “I want to be second. I can't be third,” he said at a recent event.
When his party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), contested its first national election in 2014, just a year after its founding, party The party performed well, securing 6.35% of the vote and becoming the third largest political party in the country. Five years later, that share increased to her 10.8%.
If Malema's comment is helpful, of The EFF aims to improve in the 2024 elections.
This is how it should have been in a country where the economy is shrinking but unemployment is increasing. of easy thing For politicians and their political parties to achieve.
But looking at the EFF's recent polls (a snapshot from that time), it appears the party has a lot of work to do if it is to win. that's all voters. An Ipsos poll released at the end of April showed the EFF gaining 11.5% of the vote, a nominal increase from 2019.
Social Research Daily Tracking Poll, that's all period of From April 15th 15 In May, I drew even numbers. strict A photo of the party showing its approval rating has fallen to around 7%.
Malema could be forced to scramble as polls show the EFF is trailing behind Jacob Zuma's newly formed Umkhonto Wisizwe party. just Don't worry about being 1st or 2nd as you will maintain your 3rd place in EFF.
Malema is perhaps aware that his style of politics doesn't necessarily sit well with the country's conservative voters, but he has toned it down this campaign compared to when he finished his speech at the party's convention. It seems like I did. 10 year anniversary Celebrate by singing “Kill the Boers.”
In this Friday briefing, we ask whether Malema's EFF has reached the glass ceiling.
News24's political reporter Siyamthanda Kapa writes about the party's change in tactics as it tries to attract younger voters.
There is also a post from Nelson Mandela University's Ongama Mutimuka, who examines the change in party behavior and whether we can expect the EFF to move away from its radical politics.
Finally, Maksevisi Ndretyana from the University of Johannesburg reflects on the reason for holding this party. It seems not so Even if it looks like you're upping the numbers at a rally, you're growing.
hope Enjoy insights into the country's third-largest political partyjust like you Decide who to vote for.
Next Friday's briefing will examine the ANC's election campaign as polling day approaches. Until now Closer.
The best,
Vanessa Bunton
Opinion editor.
From anger to focus: Is EFF evolving?
The EFF wants to double its numbers this election and has even scaled back some of its strategies. Ongama Mutimuka Analyze whether the party is moving away from its radical roots.
