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Political parties who hope to form a new coalition government in Nelson Mandela Bay, say there has been a 'breakthrough' in talks following their eighth engagement on Thursday.
According to a brief statement, the parties are the Democratic Alliance, African Christian Democratic Party, African Independent Congress, Abantu Integrity Movement, Freedom Front Plus, Pan Africanist Congress, and the United Democratic Movement.
The parties are expected to report back to their structures for a final mandate before an agreement is signed before the end of the month.
UDM spokesperson, Yongama Zigebe, told Algoa FM News that there has finally been some progress since the parties started negotiating earlier this year.
"We came to agree to put Nelson Mandela Bay first and we decided that this is the right direction to take. We need a new government that is going to be stable and that is going to put the people first."
Freedom Front Plus head of elections, Wouter Wessels, says there were more agreements than disagreements at Thursday's meeting.
"We are optimistic that there was a breakthrough. There were disagreements previously between parties on certain terms that at today's meeting it went more smoothly and there's more agreement. That is what a coalition is all about," Wessels said.
Meanwhile, Abantu Integrity Movement leader, Khusta Jack kept his cards close to his chest but said there was progress in deliberations between the political parties.
"We have had eight deliberations to date, so who knows. It could go for another eight, but we are really making progress, that's all I can say."
ACDP councillor, Lance Grootboom, said they are glad that after months of talks to unseat the ANC that stability can now be brought back to the City.
DA Eastern Cape chairperson, Andrew Whitfield, said the parties involved in the talks will report back to their relevant leadership for a final mandate.
"We aim to sign a formal coalition agreement before the end of the month and look forward to bringing back stability to Nelson Mandela Bay," he said.
