South Africa’s Parliament set to elect President in first session since elections
South Africa’s parliament will reconvene this Friday to elect the president, announced Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, as political parties engage in ongoing negotiations to form a new government.
This session marks the first gathering of legislators since the national elections held on May 29.
Besides electing the president, lawmakers will also vote for a new speaker and deputy speaker, Zondo stated on Monday. Incumbent President Cyril Ramaphosa is anticipated to seek re-election during this meeting.
“The Secretary to Parliament has received formal correspondence in this regard and will henceforth make the necessary arrangements for the first sitting of the National Assembly to take place in accordance with the determination made by the chief justice,” Zondo said in his statement.
The African National Congress (ANC), led by Ramaphosa, lost its parliamentary majority last month for the first time since it took power three decades ago.
In response, the ANC has extended an invitation to opposition parties to join a broad alliance, termed a government of national unity, to form the next administration.
Among the interested parties is the centrist Democratic Alliance (DA). The DA’s federal council, its highest decision-making body, convened on Monday to deliberate on joining the government following weekend discussions with the ANC.
“The federal council reaffirmed the mandate of the negotiating team to continue to represent the DA in multiparty negotiations and will resume the meeting tomorrow to continue the critical discussions aimed at advancing the interests of SA,” DA spokesman Solly Malatsi stated.
“We will communicate on the final outcome of the meeting in due course,” he added.
Under the South African constitution, parliament must convene within 14 days after election results are declared.
If the National Assembly fails to elect a new president, the chief justice can adjourn the session for no more than seven days to resume voting.
Should the assembly remain deadlocked within 90 days of reconvening, new elections must be held.
Additionally, the first sitting of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), the upper house of parliament, is scheduled for June 15.
After members of the chamber are sworn in, Chief Justice Zondo will oversee the election of a chairperson.
