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South Africa's white community is resisting the government's plan to give the mixed-race population and Indians a voice in government: The right-wing party gained in by-elections held this week, thus dealing a setback to the government. But it can be hoped that Prime Minister Botha presses on with his ''power-sharing'' reform, weak as it is. Better to strive for some change in a forward direction than to resist all change - a stand-pat policy which would only deepen divisions between the races.