The National Assembly has responded to a letter from a group called the New Nation Movement threatening legal action against the election of former Defence Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The African National Congress (ANC) caucus nominated Mapisa Nqakula for the position – amid much criticism from opposition parties and others who say Mapisa Nqakula faces serious corruption allegations.
The election process of the new National Assembly Speaker began on Thursday morning in Cape Town.
Election of the new Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has nominated its own candidate in Dr Annelie Lotriet.
In his response to the letter, the acting Speaker of the National Assembly, Lechesa Tsenoli, says Parliament is embarking on this process in accordance with stipulations in the Constitution. He says nominations arising out of the process could not be anticipated by him.
Timeline: Election of the new speaker of the National Assembly
