MK Party seeks court interdict to halt Parliament’s first sitting

Cape Town – The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, is reportedly seeking to interdict the first sitting of Parliament, citing unresolved irregularities in the recent general elections.

In a statement on Sunday, the party said it had instructed its lawyers to file papers in the Constitutional Court to prevent the swearing-in of National Assembly members.

MK Party MPs planned to boycott Parliament until these issues were addressed.

MK party has decided to interdict the convening of the unconstitutional sitting of inaugural session of the National Assembly.#mkyl #mk #mkparty #umkhontowesizwe #umkhontowesizweparty pic.twitter.com/v83mmDzQUO

— uMkhonto weSizwe Youth League (@mkylparty) June 10, 2024

They alleged election fraud and vote rigging during the 29 May national and provincial elections.

“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,” says party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.

“Despite our legally sound and legitimate objections as submitted in line with section 55 to the IEC, the parliament’s response disregarded our request by spearheading an agenda to proceed regardless of such concerns which are serious in their nature.

“In response, we have directed our attorneys to urgently seek an interdict from the Constitutional Court to postpone the session while these critical legal issues and questionable election results which point to grossly serious grievances of possible election fraud and rigging are addressed,” the party said.

They argued that without their 58 members, a quorum would not be met.

However, Secretary to Parliament Xolile George clarified that only 134 members are needed for a quorum.

“For passing bills and any matters you need majority of members but for any other matter, you need one third of matters of that house, that house being the National Assembly,” EWN quoted George as saying.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is expected to announce the first sitting of Parliament this week, where he will oversee the election of the president, deputy president, and Speaker of Parliament.