JOHANNESBURG – The Western Cape High Court dismissed the ATM’s application to review National Assembly Speaker Thandi Modise’s decision for an open ballot in a vote of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa. After the ATM lodged the motion in February 2020, it also asked Modise that the vote be via secret ballot. Modise declined, saying the party did not provide evidence of “a highly charged atmosphere, intimidation of any member or any demonstrable evidence of threats against the lives of members and their families, which may warrant a secret ballot.” Modise also referred to the constitutional imperative of transparency as a reason not to have a secret ballot. After the motion was scheduled in late November 2020, ATM leader Vuyolwethu Zungula asked Modise to reconsider. Again she declined, noting the logistics of hybrid virtual sittings due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Before the motion was heard, the ATM headed to court, arguing that Modise’s decision […]
ATM’s application for secret ballot in motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa dismissed with costs
