THABO MBEKI: Why MPs should be free to break ranks with their parties
'This matter has arisen because the President of the Republic‚ Mr Jacob Zuma‚ is also President of the ANC'
OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT Recently the question has been raised publicly whether ANC Members of the National Assembly (ANC MPs) can support a Motion of No Confidence in the President of the Republic as proposed by Members of the Opposition Parties (Opposition MPs). This matter has arisen because the President of the Republic‚ Mr Jacob Zuma‚ is also President of the ANC. There are two major elements relevant to this question. One of these relates to whether the ANC MPs can vote against their own Party President‚ given the normal and standard assumption that Members of Political Parties must respect all decisions adopted legitimately by their Parties. This asserts the principle and established practice that the ANC MPs are accountable to their Party‚ the ANC‚ and must therefore‚ and at all times‚ act in Parliament specifically to implement the decisions of the ANC. This very same assertion applies equally to all MPs of other Parties represented in Parliament‚ and not only t...
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.