Transkei Poll Favours Poto

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30302, 30 November 1963, Page 13

Transkei Poll Favours Poto

(N.Z P.A.-Reuter—Copyright)

CAPE TOWN, November 29.

Early returns in South Africa’s first African election in the Transkei have gone against the racist Government of Dr. Verxvoerd. Between 11 and 13 of the first nineteen candidates returned are believed to oppose the Bantustan policy.

The candidates are believed to solidly support paramount Chief Victor Poto, 65-year-old opponent of racial segregation. Chief Poto is one of the two key figures contesting the post of chief minister in the Transkei’s first government. The other is Chief Kaizer Mantanzima. a 48-year-old Nationalist who supports apartheid. He has often been labelled a "government stooge."

The government is due to be formed early in December. Chief Poto’s early lead could dissolve as other results come in. The rest are expected tomorrow. Dr. Verwoerd's hopes of substantial backing from the Transkeis 880,000 African voters for his Bantustansi must be dimmed. Voters last week chose from a list of 180 candidates in nine constituencies. The 19 candidates returned today are for five of the constituencies. The 45 elected members will be dominated by 64 traditional chiefs nominated by Dr. Verwoerd. Chief Poto, even if he gets a majority of support from the elected members, still will not be assured of the chief ministership. He must swing the support of the 64 traditional chiefs. The 109-member Legislative Assembly will choose the chief minister by secret ballot on December 6, Whatever the final election result may be. Chief Matanzima is likely to be in a strong position. Tobacco Finns’ Research Budget (N.Z Press Assn.—Copyright) NEW YORK, Nov. 28. The American Tobacco Industry Research Committee today appropriated an additional 1,060.000 dollars for research into lung cancer, heart disease, and other diseases next year. the Associated Press reported. The new appropriation is an increase over the 800.000 dollars provided annually by the research committee in the last few years. Total funds made available for research so far aount to more than 7 000.000 dollars.