MK Party members’ flights and accommodation cancelled by Parliament

Parliament has cancelled accommodation and flight arrangements for 58 uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party members who were expected to occupy seats in the National Assembly. 

This comes as the MK Party urged Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and Secretary to Parliament Xolile George to postpone the first sitting of the National Assembly, claiming it would not be constitutional. The party raised concerns about the discrepancies in the 29 May polls. 

PARLIAMENT CANCELS ARRANGMENTS FOR MK PARTY MEMBERS

Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said they disagreed with the MK Party’s interpretation of Section 46 of the Constitution. 

Mothapo said Parliament was legally bound 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, and no legal impediments are preventing this process.

“According to section 49(3) of the Constitution, until a court sets aside the election results, Parliament must ensure that the sittings proceed as directed. Because the first sittings of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces will take place physically, the Parliamentary Administration is in the process of making arrangements to provide travel and accommodation for all members listed by the IEC, as handed over by the Chief Justice, to attend these sittings and the associated onboarding activities scheduled in Cape Town.

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,” he said. 

Mothapo said this measure is to avoid fruitless and wasteful expenditure, in compliance with the Financial Management of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, 2009.

He added that Parliament reaffirms its commitment to carrying out its responsibilities under the Constitution in scheduling the first sittings of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. 

“We remain dedicated to ensuring that the laws and Constitution of our country uphold the established democratic processes and procedures.”

ZUMA-LED PARTY CONFIRMS IT WILL BOYCOTT FIRST SITTING

The MK Party has confirmed that it has taken legal action to delay the inaugural session of the National Assembly.

On Friday, 7 June, MK Party’s legal representatives formally demanded that Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and the Secretary to Parliament Xolile George postpone the first sitting of the newly elected parliament.

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the authorities dismissed their request, saying that the inaugural session must occur within 14 days of the election results.

“Despite our legally sound and legitimate objections, the parliament’s response disregarded our request by spearheading an agenda to proceed regardless of such concerns, which are serious in their nature,” he said.

In light of the Parliament’s stance, the MK Party has decided to take the matter to the Constitutional Court. The party said it plans to file papers asking for an interdict to delay the swearing-in of new National Assembly members until their grievances are noticed.

“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 National Assembly until our grievances, which are premised on allegations of election fraud and rigging, are thoroughly addressed by the courts,” he said.