Parliament says it's ready to usher in a new administration
Political parties who will be engaged in furious negotiations and horse-trading this week to form a majority government have 14 days to do so.
President Cyril Ramaphosa replied to oral questions from Members of the National Assembly at the Good Hope Chamber in Parliament, Cape Town on 19 March 2024. Picture: @PresidencyZA/X
CAPE TOWN - Parliament said it's ready to usher in a new administration and will take its direction from the Chief Justice, who will call the first sitting.
Political parties who will be engaged in furious negotiations and horse-trading this week to form a majority government have 14 days to do so.
It means a new Parliament could be constituted around Youth Day once the Electoral Commission (IEC) hands the names of candidates who will represent political parties to the Chief Justice and he in turn hands them to Parliament.
This handover will set the stage for the swearing-in of 400 MPs.
A breakdown of the seat allocation in the National Assembly by party. Picture: Xanderleigh Dookey Makhaza/Eyewitness News
With no venue at Parliament big enough to accommodate an event of this nature following the fire, the opening of Parliament is set to be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
By law, the first sitting of the National Assembly must happen within 14 days of the election result being declared.
Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, explained what would happen on that occasion.
"Four things must take place: one, the swearing in of new members, two, the election of the Speaker, three, the election of the deputy Speaker and then finally the election of the president of the republic."
For now, the members of President Cyril Ramaphosa's Cabinet remain competent to continue in their portfolios.