He has accompanied Deputy President Thabo Mbeki on his election tour in the Western Cape, quietly talking to people to carry across the party's message. Morkel has kept a surprisingly low profile in the NNP's election campaign. Most of Morkel's engagements have been addressing crowds of loyal Nat supporters in halls. Smiling serenely and proudly displaying the NNP rosette on his impeccable suits, Morkel spoke to the applause of the converted but rarely winning the adulation which FW de Klerk received in the run-up to the 1994 election. But then neither has NNP leader Marthinus van Schalkwyk.
Analysts say they are stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to picking a favourite.
Rasool with his hardworking dedication and track record as health MEC wins hands down over Morkel. But neither man wins the stake for being engaging political personalities who can sway potential voters. Professor of politics at the University of Cape Town, Robert Schrire, jokes he is biased since Rasool graduated from the department. A political science graduate is unbeatable as premier. He says Rasool is a modern generation leader with a clear understanding of issues facing provincial government.