Proceedings to elect a new National Assembly Speaker have commenced in Parliament. The election is expected to take four hours.
The election is being conducted via secret ballot at three sites in order to observe COVID-19 protocols as all members will be present physically.
Opposition parties are against the African National Congress’ (ANC) nomination of former Defence Minister Nosiwe Mapisa-Nqakula to the position, with the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) accusing the ruling party of treating Parliament with disdain.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has nominated Dr Annelie Lotriet to contest the position.
IFP Chief Whip Narend Singh says they also don’t support Mapisa-Nqakula’s nomination and will consider an opposition candidate during voting.
“There is talk within other opposition parties. I have been approached already to say that there could be a nomination from the DA. We will consider that nomination when it comes to voting.”
Live proceedings of the voting underway:
