The controversial floor-crossing law allowing MPs, MPLs and local councillors to switch political allegiances while retaining their seats looks set to remain, albeit with some changes to appease detractors.
This is according to an African National Congress (ANC) discussion document to be discussed by branches ahead of the party’s June policy conference, the Star reported on Monday.
Significantly, the document acknowledges that most ANC members are sceptical of floor-crossers, some of whom are viewed as opportunists.
The ANC document gives three options.
The first suggests maintaining the status quo, while the second proposes the retention of floor-crossing, but with some adjustments.
The third suggests abolition of the law — which appears to be the least-favoured option.
The floor-crossing period has, on several occasions, given birth to single-member parties in Parliament, which then get party leaders’ salaries and other perks, including state funding, despite not having received any votes.
In the last election, none of the single MP parties made it back to Parliament, with some not even participating in the 2004 election.
The ANC proposal would mean that future floor-crossers would be compelled to find new homes in existing parties in the respective legislatures.
The ANC also proposes the abolishing of the 10% threshold for members of a particular party who want to defect.
Removing the threshold would also mean that individual members in legislatures and municipal councils would be permitted to join any political party represented in the house without any repercussions for his or her career.
The next floor-crossing period is set for September this year. — Sapa