Constitutional analysts yesterday said the only way for South Africans to voice their dissatisfaction with President Jacob Zuma or the ANC was at the polls.
Pierre de Vos, a constitutional law expert, said it was up to parliament to hold Zuma to account.
"The question is will parliament do so?" The ANC has 249 of 400 seats in parliament.
"It is the leadership of the ANC who will decide on the president's future. On the other hand, they have voters turning against them.
"South Africans must decide. If they are unhappy, they must decide what political decision they take. This can only be done through the polls," De Vos said.
He said voters had the power to either fire the ruling party or retain it. The next general elections are to be held in 2019.
Freedom Under Law's Professor Hugh Corder echoed De Vos's sentiments, saying voters had the power to change the leadership of the country. "Voters can exercise their rights only at the general elections. The president belongs to a party so the votes must be directed at the party," Corder said.
He said yesterday's ruling marked a triumphant day for the country's constitution.
"Both the president and the National Assembly have been found to have reacted unconstitutionally. It is for parliament to decide for him to step down or not.
"However, South Africans have freedom of expression and can exercise their right. The ANC must take the judgment seriously and implement the ruling," Corder said.
mashabas@sowetan.co.za
Voters have the power to remove Zuma - experts
Constitutional analysts yesterday said the only way for South Africans to voice their dissatisfaction with President Jacob Zuma or the ANC was at the polls.
Pierre de Vos, a constitutional law expert, said it was up to parliament to hold Zuma to account.
"The question is will parliament do so?" The ANC has 249 of 400 seats in parliament.
"It is the leadership of the ANC who will decide on the president's future. On the other hand, they have voters turning against them.
"South Africans must decide. If they are unhappy, they must decide what political decision they take. This can only be done through the polls," De Vos said.
He said voters had the power to either fire the ruling party or retain it. The next general elections are to be held in 2019.
Freedom Under Law's Professor Hugh Corder echoed De Vos's sentiments, saying voters had the power to change the leadership of the country. "Voters can exercise their rights only at the general elections. The president belongs to a party so the votes must be directed at the party," Corder said.
He said yesterday's ruling marked a triumphant day for the country's constitution.
"Both the president and the National Assembly have been found to have reacted unconstitutionally. It is for parliament to decide for him to step down or not.
"However, South Africans have freedom of expression and can exercise their right. The ANC must take the judgment seriously and implement the ruling," Corder said.
mashabas@sowetan.co.za
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