The Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party's opposition to South Africa's first all-race election was to blame for rampant political violence in the country, African National Congress Secretary-General Cyril Ramaphosa said Thursday.
Ramaphosa told a news conference in Johannesburg that Inkatha had placed the entire country at risk by only agreeing to participate in the April 26-28 election a week before voting started.The ANC and South African government argue that Inkatha's rejection of constitutional reforms and its threatened boycott of the election had fueled violent political rivalry between ANC supporters and Inkatha followers.
Inkatha had used violence to try to postpone the election and negotiate a more favorable political settlement for itself, Ramaphosa said.
More than 700 people have died in political violence since Inkatha failed nearly two months ago to register for the election on the grounds that the constitution failed to provide for regional autonomy.
Inkatha leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi finally abandoned his demands for regional power Tuesday and agreed to contest the election in return for constitutional protection of the position of the Zulu king and KwaZulu kingdom.
Political observers believe Buthelezi's about-face was forced by Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, a close ally of Buthelezi, and Inkatha moderates, after it became clear the government and ANC would proceed with the elections without Inkatha's participation.
Ramaphosa said Inkatha stood disgraced before the nation and would receive little support at the ballot box.
The ANC leader said he hoped Inkatha would accept the result and not resort to post-election violence.