The United Democratic Movement (UDM) said on Monday that the speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete had failed in her obligation to ensure that a vote on a motion of no confidence in the President be done by way of a secret ballot. Counsel for the UDM Dali Mpofu made this submission in the party’s application to the court to order that a parliamentary vote on a motion of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma be conducted by secret ballot. Mpofu said the UDM relied on section 102 (2) of the Constitution. The section states that if the National Assembly‚ by a vote supported by a majority of its members‚ passes a motion of no confidence in the President‚ the President and the other members of the Cabinet must resign. Mpofu said the only question that arose in this case was whether the meaning of a vote in the section meant a secret ballot was implicitly required‚ permitted or prohibited. Mbete and Zuma have opposed the application by the UDM. Mpofu said the only obstacle the Sp...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.