Umkhonto Wesizwe Party leader, Jacob ZumaPicture: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Media
Jacob Zuma's Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party has taken urgent legal action by filing papers with the Constitutional Court to prevent the first sitting of the National Assembly (NA).
This occurred just three days before the NA was set to vote for the President, the Speaker, and the Deputy Speaker of Parliament. The MK Party had previously announced their plan to stop the convening of the NA.
We argue that unresolved objections and the veracity of the substance by MK Party and other political parties who represent the will of the people render this 'market-based' declaration and, consequently, the sitting and all its activities unconstitutional.
Furthermore, and in defence of our people's constitutional rights, the MK Party will file papers with the Constitutional Court to interdict the swearing-in of party-nominated candidates as members of the NA until our grievances, which are premised on allegations of election fraud and rigging, are thoroughly addressed by the courts," the party said in a statement released on Monday.
In reaction to the MK Party's statement, Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo emphasised that according to section 49(3) of the Constitution, Parliament must ensure that sittings proceed as directed by law unless the election results are set aside by a court. Additionally, Parliament has cancelled all arrangements for accommodation and flights for the party's elected members, citing fruitless and wasteful expenditure. This story is still developing.
