Zuma's fate hangs in the balance as Baleka Mbete declares MPs can vote in secret
Speaker of the National Assembly Baleka Mbete has given the go-ahead for a secret ballot on tomorrow's motion of no confidence debate against President Jacob Zuma. Making the announcement‚ Mbete said she had taken "due and impartial consideration of all the factors" in making her decision. She said she was mindful of the fact that a motion of no confidence was a "powerful tool towards holding the president to account" and that MPs are obliged to to act in accordance with the Constitution above party allegiances. Mbete said while it was important that parliament was seen to be conducting its business in an open and transparent way‚ the people of South Africa "look to Parliament for symbols of hope". She said by allowing for a secret ballot‚ they would "use the opportunity to show responsiveness to our people". Mbete said she believed her decision was "in the best interests of our country" and would put "the resilience of the democratic institution to the test". Mbete said she had giv...
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.