Parliament reject secret ballot for Mkhwebane’s impeachment

Share the Article:

The request by the ATM and UDM to have the consideration of the section 194 report against suspended public protector held at secret ballot has been rejected.

Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula believes the closed process would not allow the public to hold representatives voting accountable. 

She says the matter should be conducted openly and transparently as there are no threats to individuals.

The two-thirds majority is required to remove Busisiwe Mkhwebane from her position.

The impeachment process comes as her term of office expires on October 14.

Section 194 process: the UDM has sent a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly to request a secret ballot on the proposed removal of the Public Protector pic.twitter.com/61VmYeWMEj

— Bantu Holomisa (@BantuHolomisa) September 6, 2023

Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says parliament is expected to seat on Monday, September 11 for the matter.

“The speaker believes that the closed voting procedure would deprive citizens who have a significant public interest in the matter from knowing their representatives positions as well as holding them accountable,” he expressed.

ALSO READ | ‘Accept findings on Phalaphala robbery’: Mashatile tells MPs

Mothapo further added that the speaker found no reason to believe that any member will be bribed or exposed to corruption in relation to the vote or safety concerns which may necessitate a secret ballot.