... it might be quite a good idea, because it will catapult the DA into the number two position, and smaller political parties will ... [Interjections.] ... clearly not be where they are today.
As a result of this Bill, we would have had the situation where we would have had to say goodbye to the ACDP, and most probably also to Cope, the IFP and some other of the larger political parties. [Interjections.]
That is in essence what the consequences of the hon Selfe's Bill would have been. I really cannot understand that even today the hon McIntosh cannot see this point. [Interjections.]
The fact is that a party with 1% of the vote would, under the present system, get about four seats in this House because it competes with the other parties for the full 400 seats of the National Assembly.
According to the system proposed by the hon Selfe, that party would have contested only the 100 peer proportional seats. In the constituencies it would not have received enough votes to get a seat. Therefore, that same party, with 1% of the vote would only have one Member of Parliament under the DA's proposal. That is the reality and the truth. Let us look at the facts when we debate these matters. Thank you. [Applause.] [Interjections.]
Motion agreed to (Democratic Alliance dissenting).
Report accordingly adopted.