RR7747A SOUTH AFRICA: BACKGROUND TO THE ELECTION

(29 Nov 1977) RR7747A SOUTH AFRICA: BACKGROUND TO THE ELECTION

South Africa goes to the polls to elect a new
Parliament on November 30th 1977, almost a year
and a half earlier than is constitutionally necessary.
Although his National Party holds a two-thirds
majority in the assembly, Prime Minister John Vorster
is seeking an even stronger mandate from the 2.2
million white electorate in the face of increasing
dissent at home and mounting criticism abroad for
his government's policy of separate racial development.
Unrest among South Africa's 18 million blacks
(who cannot vote in this election) has continued
sporadically ever since last year's Soweto riots, and
culminated in an unprecedented crackdown by the
government on 18 anti-apartheid organisations and
newspapers. The move brought worldwide condemnation
and a successful call for an arms embargo on South Africa.
This report looks at the election campaign and includes
interviews with Foreign Minister Botha, Minister of Police
Kruger and Colin Eglin, leader of the new Reformed
Progressive Party which hopes to become the official Opposition.

Film: Rev – Sound: Mag/SOF – Colour– Available in HD

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...