The date of the first National Assembly sitting has been confirmed, amid legal challenges from the MK Party.
National Assembly date confirmed: Here’s everything we know
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo confirmed, on Monday, that the first sitting of the National Assembly will take place on Friday, 14 June 2024, at 10:00.
This decision follows the declaration of the 2024 general election results by the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on Sunday, 2 June 2024.
The IEC handed over the lists of designated Members of Parliament (MPs) and members of Provincial Legislatures (MPLs) to Chief Justice Zondo on Thursday, 6 June 2024.
These lists were then forwarded to the Secretary to Parliament to prepare for the inaugural session.
Section 51(1) of the Constitution mandates that the first sitting of the National Assembly must occur within 14 days after the election results have been declared.
By setting the date within this period, Chief Justice Zondo ensures compliance with constitutional requirements and facilitates a timely start to the legislative activities of the new Parliament.
The first sitting will include the swearing-in of MPs and the election of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and President by the National Assembly.
MK Party officially banned from Parliament
In response to the MK Party’s ongoing legal challenge, Parliament has decided to cancel all arrangements for the accommodation and flights of the party’s members.
This move, according to Parliament, is a bid to avoid fruitless and wasteful expenditure as the party seeks an urgent interdict from the Constitutional Court to halt the swearing-in ceremony of MPs.
On Friday, 7 June 2024, the MK Party’s legal representatives issued a formal demand to both the Chief Justice and the Secretary to Parliament, arguing that unresolved objections regarding the recent election results render the inaugural session of the National Assembly unconstitutional.
The party claims that without the inclusion of its members, the National Assembly will not meet the legal requirement of 350 members, thus invalidating the session.
The MK Party’s objections were initially submitted in line with Section 55 to the IEC, but they allege that their concerns have been disregarded.
The party insists that the election results are flawed and is demanding a re-run within three months.
They argue that proceeding with the National Assembly under these conditions would betray the electorate’s trust and undermine the legitimacy of the legislative process.
Despite the MK Party’s legal actions, Parliament is proceeding with its plans to establish the new administration.
Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo confirmed that comprehensive preparations are in place to ensure a smooth transition.
The rules for the first sittings, approved by Chief Justice Zondo, outline the procedures for the swearing-in of MPs and the election of key parliamentary officials.