The Third Force Movement (TFM) has withdrawn from the September 7 general election.
TFM chairman Timothy Hamel-Smith announced today in a press release that the timeframe was too tight to establish the institutional framework for a full-fledged political party in order to contest the general elections.
He noted that TFM made “enormous strides with large crowds of enthusiastic supporters” joining them at their rallies, and had “rattled the political establishment” despite the short timeframe since its launch on July 3.
Hamel-Smith said the TFM was created with the explicit intent of making a “real difference” to the politics of the country. A difference based upon principled governance.
“The whole reason for our existence first as a lobby group and then latterly as a political party has been based upon three key foundation principles: the implementation of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act, 2015; the enactment of Party and Campaign Financing legislation; and the amendment of our Constitution so as to introduce a Fair Electoral Voting System,” Hamel-Smith said.
He expressed regret to the many supporters who have shown their allegiance to TFM, as a real hope for change.
“It is better for TFM to prepare itself on a more sound structural footing now, so as not to disappoint its followers in the future,” he said.
Hamel-Smith assured that this withdrawal is not the end of the Third Force Movement.
Gerald Yetming, member of the leadership council endorsed Hamel Smith's actions, and noted that the driving ambition of TFM was to “influence change in the present way of governance.”
“The desire to effect change, the desire to drive for more honest, transparent and principled governance, no matter which party is in power, remains” he said. “We will now simply regroup to identify which channels of action can best be activated to continue to influence how our country is governed,” Yetming said.
Hamel-Smith assured that this withdrawal is not the end of the Third Force Movement. The scheduled political meeting carded for tonight in the Croisee has been cancelled.