Cape Town | Wednesday
DRAFT legislation providing for public representatives at all three tiers of government to change parties without losing their seats has been published for public comment.
This follows Cabinet approval last Wednesday of the measures.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Penuell Maduna gave notice in the Government Gazette on Monday of his intention to introduce two bills to Parliament amending the Constitution to allow for MPs, MPLs and municipal councillors to change party allegiance.
This will be subject to: At least 10% of a party’s representatives wanting to cross the floor; changes of allegiance not occurring within a year of a scheduled general election; and periods in February and September of each year being set aside for the crossings-over to take place.
These periods will no longer be determined by the president, as was originally mooted in draft legislation in Parliament’s justice portfolio committee late last year.
The legislation also provides for existing parties to merge, or to split into more than one party.
Those wishing to comment on the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Amendment Bill, 2002, or the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Second Amendment Bill, 2002, are asked to do so not later than April 12.
They can write for attention Johan de Lange, Private Bag X81, Pretoria, 0001; e-mail: [email protected]
The bills will then be processed by Parliament’s justice committees before being put to the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces.
An informed source told Sapa it was expected the measures will come into effect by May 15.
The first period this year is therefore expected to be then, as February has already passed. – Sapa