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...