Mhlaba Memela

Mhlaba Memela

The National Democratic Convention (Nadeco) in KwaZulu-Natal is positioning itself as an alternative choice in the coming by-elections.

The by-elections will take place in six municipalities in the province on Wednesday.

The party will be contesting for the first time in all the wards that have been dominated by the ANC and IFP.

Nadeco spokesman Patrick Mdladla said the exercise would be a dress rehearsal for next year's general elections.

"We are rebuilding the party following problems we had in the past," Mdladla said.

"The dominant political parties have not changed the lives of the people.

"The ANC had a chance in the province and nationally but unemployment and poverty still exist."

Mdladla said they would contest the Ndumeni, eMadlangeni, Newcastle, Msunduzi, eMthonjaneni and Ukhahlamba municipalities.

He said winning at least two wards in the by-election would mean a lot for the party.

"We embarked on a visibility campaign in all the areas ahead of the by-elections," he said.

"The ANC and IFP have failed to deliver."

KwaZulu-Natal independent electoral commission head Mawethu Mosery said they would conduct by-elections in 10 wards.

"Our preparations are up to standard in these contested wards," Mosery said.

"The process has gone well and we will conduct the last training for electoral officers today."

Mosery said he did not expect any logistical hiccups during the elections.