EFF wants court to interdict Parly's introduction of new joint rules ahead of SONA
Chapter 2 of Parliament's joint rules states that “no member may interrupt the president whilst delivering the State of the Nation,” - which is one of the EFF's main objections.
CAPE TOWN - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have returned to court to fight Parliament again, but this time to stop the implementation of new joint rules to end disruptions.
The joint rules of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces apply during joint sittings, including the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
But the EFF said the new joint rules are devised to target its members, with some already banned from attending SONA through suspension.
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The party wants the Western Cape High Court to interdict the implementation of the rules before next week Thursday’s SONA.
The new joint rules will be implemented at SONA for the first time, after the NA adopted the amendments late last year.
But the EFF wants them suspended because the party says they will violate the freedom of speech of its members, who may have something to say to President Cyril Ramaphosa during his address.
Chapter 2 of the joint rules states that “no member may interrupt the president whilst delivering the State of the Nation,” - which is one of the EFF's main objections.
The party’s counsel Advocate Kameel Premhid told the court that his client’s right to free speech will be impacted by the adoption and implementation of the new rules which were “fast-tracked”.
Meanwhile, Parliament has defended its new joint rules that will prohibit members of Parliament from interrupting Ramaphosa when he delivers the SONA.
Parliament’s counsel, Advocate Ismail Jamie, told the court that the matter is not urgent and any urgency that existed is self-created.
Moreover, he suggested the matter be struck off the roll with costs.
He said the separation of powers doctrine allows Parliament to set its own rules without the court’s interference.
Jamie added that the EFF's conduct at previous SONAs was anything but exuberant and robust, calling it “violent and thuggish”.
The court has reserved judgment.