The ConCourt has ruled that the Speaker of the National Assembly has the responsibility to call a secret ballot in the vote of No Confidence against Zuma!
The Speaker of the National Assembly has been told she has the responsibility to allow a secret ballot in the vote of No Confidence against President Jacob Zuma!
The United Democratic Movement (UDM), the EFF and Cope have been vindicated in their plight against the Speaker and the President! The UDM, EFF and Cope brought the application forward to the Constitutional Court requesting an official ruling on a secret ballot.
Mbete, the Speaker of the National Assembly insisted that neither the constitution or the rules of the National Assembly allowed her to prescribe a secret ballot. However Mogoeng said she was mistaken and she does have the power to do so!
The unanimous ruling was read out by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng,
“It is declared that the Speaker of the National Assembly has the constitutional power to prescribe that voting in a no confidence motion in the president be conducted by secret ballot‚” – Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng
Mogoeng also ruled that Mbete and Zuma are to cover all legal costs! While the speaker cannot be forced to implement a secret ballot the DA will be submitting a Motion of No Confidence in Jacob Zuma.
Mgogeng stressed that Mbete is required to swear allegiance to South Africa and the Constitution, and not to her party! As it is with all member’s of Parliament!
“The DA has today written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, to request the DA-sponsored Motion of No Confidence be scheduled at the earliest available opportunity.”
While the future of the vote is still unclear, this is a political win for South Africa as it means that certain members of Parliament will need to make a choice, one man or a whole country! And then face the consequence of their decision!
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