The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Thursday clarified what it termed "speculation" surrounding its Elective Congress, saying the event is scheduled for April 2026.

“…I wish to address misguided speculation regarding a possible early Elective Congress for the purpose of electing new leadership before the expiry of the current three-year term,” said DA federal chairperson Dr Ivan Meyer.

Meyer said media speculation suggesting otherwise had no foundation in any decision-making structure of the party.

He said he was determined to implement the provisions of the federal constitution and end media speculation about an early Federal Congress.

Meyer stated that the DA constitution prescribed an elective congress at least every three years and pointed out that the last Congress was held in April 2023, and the next one was scheduled on the DA calendar for April 2026.

“It is my constitutional duty to convene congresses on the basis of this timeframe,” he noted.

Meyer added that the DA constitution also required that the party hold a policy conference, comprising an extended Federal Council, at least a year before a general election.

The DA’s calendar over the next two years, includes all these constitutionally prescribed markers, he said.