South Africa's Democratic Alliance Party (DA) has consented to carry on with talks to become a member of the government of national unity that is expected to be formed soon in the nation, DA spokesman Solly Malatsi stated to local media on Tuesday.
The decision was made following the Federal Council meeting, which is the party's highest standing executive body.
"[The council] unanimously endorsed a resolution affirming the mandate of federal leader John Steenhuisen and the party's negotiating team to continue with the process towards the formation of governments at national and provincial levels with hung legislatures, in order to safeguard the Constitution, ensure stability, and generate economic growth," he was quoted as saying. "The DA continues to engage with other parties with the aim of forming stable governments that can ensure a better tomorrow for all South Africa's people."
The party's spokesman further stated that the Federal Council will make the ultimate determination regarding possible membership in the ruling majority following the conclusion of talks with political allies.
The governing African National Congress (ANC) party called for the formation of a government of national unity on June 6, following the May 29 general elections in South Africa. The ANC has reportedly already engaged in several rounds of negotiations with the DA.
However, "Umkhonto we Sizwe" (MK), led by former President Jacob Zuma, and the "Economic Freedom Fighters," led by Julius Malema, have declined to join the government, citing various reasons, including potential collaboration with the DA.
According to the South African constitution, members of the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, vote among themselves to elect the head of state.
In the recent election, the ANC secured 159 out of 400 seats, the DA won 87, and the IFP won 17. Together, these three parties would hold 263 seats, forming a majority. The newly elected National Assembly is set to meet on Friday to elect the next president of South Africa.
On June 11, the MK filed a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court, demanding the National Assembly be barred from convening, the election results be annulled, and new elections be held. Zuma claims widespread election fraud and asserts that the MK's actual support is 66%, not the 14.5% announced by the electoral commission, though he has not provided evidence for his claims.