Anna Majavu
Anna Majavu
Political parties in Western Cape are reportedly lining up behind Cosatu's attempt to topple Premier Helen Zille through a vote of no confidence in the provincial legislature.
On Monday, Cosatu's Tony Ehrenreich said the ANC would propose a motion of no confidence in Zille, which would be voted on in a secret ballot.
Ehrenreich claimed that four DA MPLs would vote with the ANC and smaller parties in a bid to topple Zille.
Yesterday an insider, who spoke to Sowetan on condition of anonymity, said smaller parties had been in talks with Cosatu and had promised to support the motion. But constitutional law expert Pierre de Vos poured cold water on the idea.
"Unlike the election of the premier, there is no provision in the Constitution for a secret ballot to be held, either nationally or provincially, when a no confidence vote is proposed," De Vos said.
"If members of the DA vote for such a motion they will be fired. This will never happen unless they wish to commit politicalsuicide," he said.
De Vos warned that Cosatu's attempt to pass a motion of no confidence in Zille "runs the risk of being interpreted as an attempt to thwart the democratic will of the majority of voters of Western Cape".
De Vos said it would be better for the ANC to pass a vote of no confidence in the provincial cabinet, which would force Zille to appoint a new cabinet.
Cosatu bid to oust Zille gains support
Anna Majavu
Anna Majavu
Political parties in Western Cape are reportedly lining up behind Cosatu's attempt to topple Premier Helen Zille through a vote of no confidence in the provincial legislature.
On Monday, Cosatu's Tony Ehrenreich said the ANC would propose a motion of no confidence in Zille, which would be voted on in a secret ballot.
Ehrenreich claimed that four DA MPLs would vote with the ANC and smaller parties in a bid to topple Zille.
Yesterday an insider, who spoke to Sowetan on condition of anonymity, said smaller parties had been in talks with Cosatu and had promised to support the motion. But constitutional law expert Pierre de Vos poured cold water on the idea.
"Unlike the election of the premier, there is no provision in the Constitution for a secret ballot to be held, either nationally or provincially, when a no confidence vote is proposed," De Vos said.
"If members of the DA vote for such a motion they will be fired. This will never happen unless they wish to commit politicalsuicide," he said.
De Vos warned that Cosatu's attempt to pass a motion of no confidence in Zille "runs the risk of being interpreted as an attempt to thwart the democratic will of the majority of voters of Western Cape".
De Vos said it would be better for the ANC to pass a vote of no confidence in the provincial cabinet, which would force Zille to appoint a new cabinet.