DA calls for speedy election of National Assembly Speaker
The DA hopes the committee deals with its request as early as next week.
FILE: Refurbishment after Parliament was gutted by a fire in January 2022. Picture: Supplied
CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) wants the next National Assembly (NA) Speaker to be elected as soon as possible, saying this must be done through a secret ballot.
The party's Chief Whip Siviwe Gwarube says they've received feedback from secretary to Parliament Xolile George, who has referred the matter to the NA programme committee for its consideration.
The DA hopes the committee deals with its request as early as next week.
The NA has been without a Speaker since Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula resigned from the position last week to face corruption charges.
READ: National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula resigns amid corruption allegations
Deputy Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli has been acting in the position since.
Gwarube says they will put forward a compelling candidate.
"The great thing about the election of a speaker is that it's done by a secret ballot. So it's important that we put forward a compelling candidate. It's important that we canvass the views of other political parties."
In terms of the parliamentary programme, the NA is currently in a constituency period until 21 May with the term of the NA set to expire at midnight on the same day.