Parliament served with UDM ConCourt papers
Parliament has confirmed it has been served with papers by the United Democratic Movement (UDM) seeking direct access to the Constitutional Court for a secret ballot on the motion of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma.
Following urgent requests from opposition parties the Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete scheduled the motion for debate on Tuesday the 18th of April.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says the rules of parliament do not allow the use of a secret ballot during a motion of no confidence.
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"Voting procedures in the national assembly are determined by the Constitution and the Rules of the Assembly. Neither the Constitution nor the Rules of the Assembly provide for a vote of no confidence to be conducted by a secret ballot" says Mothapo
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa says they are approaching ConCourt based on the fact that both the President and the Speaker where appointed using a secret ballot.