National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has declined a request for a secret ballot in the vote on the impeachment of embattled Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) asked that the ballot be held in secret.
The vote will take place tomorrow, and the vote to appoint current Deputy Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka as head the institution will be held on 21 September.
Mapisa-Nqakula said she believed that a closed voting procedure would deprive citizens, who have a significant public interest in the matter, from identifying their representatives’ positions and holding them accountable.
The Speaker acknowledged the ATM and UDM’s reasons for a secret ballot but emphasised the importance of following established democratic procedures.
Parliament said in a statement: ‘The Speaker has considered the prevailing atmosphere in the Assembly and South Africa, finding that it is not toxic or highly charged to warrant a secret ballot. The robustness of the proceedings and the manner in which opposing views have been openly canvassed both by members and the public is seen as indicative of a healthy democracy.’
The Speaker also considered the argument that party discipline might influence members’ votes, but said this was an inherent aspect of party politics and the current electoral system.
While acknowledging the role of Chief Whips in directing representatives to vote in line with a party’s predetermined position, she noted that this did not preclude members from voting with their conscience.
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