Constitutional law expert Luhuno Nebondwe says only the courts can stop Parliament from convening its first session. This comes after the Mkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party wrote to the Chief Justice and Parliament asking them not to convene the session.
The MK party, unhappy with the election results, has threatened to sue if the first session continues.
The Chief Justice announced that the inaugural sitting of the National Assembly (NA) would be held on Friday morning.
First, members of Parliament are sworn in, followed by the election of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and President.
The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) meeting will be held on Saturday.
Nebondwe explains: “At this stage, there is no court order prohibiting the first sitting. So the fact that Umkhonto we Sizwe is contesting the election results does not mean that the first sitting of Parliament cannot be held. Remember, constitutionally, the first sitting of Parliament must be held within 14 days of the announcement of the results. The results will be officially announced on 2 June 2024. From that date, we have 14 days to hold the first sitting of Parliament.”
Professor Setulego Matebesi from the Department of Sociology at the University of the Free State commented:
Video: MPs boycott first session:
