Parliament cancels arrangements to get 58 MK Party MPs to Cape Town for the first sitting

CAPE TOWN - Parliament says it’s cancelled all arrangements to get 58 uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party members of Parliament (MPs) to Cape Town for the first sitting to elect the president.

It says the decision was taken after the MK Party indicated its intention not to attend the first sitting, saying making the bookings would be a wasteful expenditure.

Parliament says it has also taken note of the letter from the MK Party informing the legislature of its intention to challenge the validity of the election results as declared by the Electoral Commission.

READ: MK Party says it's ready to provide elections ‘vote rigging’ evidence
 
The decision by Parliament to not book flights and accommodation for MK Party MPs comes as parties prepare to descend on Cape Town for the first sitting.

While a final date has not been confirmed, the sitting is expected to happen early next week, within the next14 days to convene after the election results.

However, the MK Party has indicated its intention not to attend as it challenges the results at the ConCourt.

Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says they have since cancelled all MK Party arrangements.

"In light of the MK Party's expressed decision, through their legal representatives, not to attend the first sitting, Parliament has cancelled all arrangements for accommodation and flights for the party's elected members. This measure is to avoid incurring fruitless and wasteful expenditure, in compliance with the financial management of parliament and provincial legislatures act, 2009."

He says Parliament does not agree with MK Party’s interpretation of Section 46 of the Constitution and believes that it is “legally bound” to facilitate the first sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces at a date and time determined by the Chief Justice.