Parliament has announced the cancellation of all arrangements to facilitate the attendance of 58 Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party members of parliament (MPs) at the first sitting to elect the president.
This decision follows the MK party’s stated intention not to attend the first sitting and to challenge the validity of the election results.
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Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo explained that the decision was made to avoid wasteful expenditure.
The MK party, through their legal representatives, had communicated their decision not to attend the first sitting, making any bookings for flights and accommodation unnecessary.
“In light of the MK Party’s expressed decision, through their legal representatives, not to attend the first sitting, Parliament has cancelled all arrangements for accommodation and flights for the party’s elected members.
“This measure is to avoid incurring fruitless and wasteful expenditure, in compliance with the financial management of parliament and provincial legislatures act, 2009.”
The MK party has indicated its intention to challenge the election results at the Constitutional Court. Despite this, Parliament has stated its disagreement with the MK party’s interpretation of section 46 of the Constitution.
Parliament believes it is legally obliged to facilitate the first sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces at a date and time determined by the Chief Justice.
As political parties prepare for the first sitting in Cape Town, the final date has yet to be confirmed but is expected within the next 14 days.
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