The Democratic Alliance (DA) will nominate Dr Annelie Lotriet to contest the position of the Speaker of the National Assembly.
The election is due to start at 11:00, and will be done via secret ballot at three sites in order to observe COVID-19 protocols as all members will be present physically.
The DA is opposed to the African National Congress’ (ANC) nomination of former Defence Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, to fill the position that became vacant after Thandi Modise was appointed as the new Defence Minister.
The DA says Mapisa-Nqakula is not fit to hold the position.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the National Assembly, Masibulele Xaso, says they’re ready for the voting process even if several candidates are nominated.
“That is part and parcel of parliamentary politics. Constitutional democracy parties can nominate candidates. You can have one, two or three we are ready for any eventuality. So our anticipation is that the process will go smoothly, of course, it’s gonna be different now because of the current arrangements.”
Uncertainty over Mapisa-Nqakula
Some parties such as the United Democratic Movement (UDM) say there is still a dark cloud hanging over her as she is being investigated by the Joint Defence Committee for alleged corruption.
Meanwhile, a group called the New Nation Movement has reiterated that it will take the appointment of Mapisa-Nqakula to court if Parliament continues with the process on Thursday.
Through its lawyers, they wrote a letter to Parliament raising their grievances.
Parliament’s spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says it is bizarre that a legal firm would want to stop the proceedings of Parliament.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it will not participate in the election of the Speaker of the National Assembly.
In a statement, the party says it won’t rubber-stamp a decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which it says is a violation of the separation of powers.
