DA's bills to secure the future of coalition govts ready to be debated
One bill seeks to limit the amount of no confidence motions instituted, while the other calls for more stringent requirements for political parties to make their way into government.
CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) is edging closer to introducing changes to the laws that aim to stabilise coalition governments.
Two bills are set to be tabled in the National Assembly.
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One of them is a constitutional amendment seeking to limit the number of times a motion of no confidence can be brought in one year against a president, premier or mayor.
The DA believed it was also necessary to put in place more stringent requirements for political parties to make their way into government.
Last year, the DA announced it would introduce a raft of legislation aimed at securing coalition governments, and to make agreements reached between parties legally binding.
The Constitution Nineteenth Amendment Bill, and the Local Government Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, are open for public comment, after being published in the government gazette.
DA chief whip Siviwe Gwarube said the bills were ready for parliamentary debate.
“We trust that political parties across the board are going to be in support of these bills, because we are of the view that this one of those things that is a non-partisan issue as an issue that concerns all South African leaders who want to see stabile governments that prioritise service delivery,” said Gwarube.
Besides placing limits on motions of no confidence unless for exceptional circumstances, the DA’s amendment to the Municipal Structures Act would require parties to reach a minimum threshold of votes before it could take up seats in a council or legislature.
With a year to go before the sixth Parliament is dissolved, the DA believes now is the time to put measures in place to make coalition governments more secure after the 2024 elections.
