UDM turns to court over secret ballots in Parliament
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is set to approach the High Court in Cape Town on Monday over secret ballots in Parliament during the motion of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma.
The party will ask the court to compel the Speaker of the National Assembly, Baleka Mbete, to grant requests for a secret ballot during next week's motion.
"We are expecting the case to be heard in the High Court in Cape Town today," UDM leader Bantu Holomisa says.
The UDM decided to turn to the courts after Mbete replied to a written submission, saying she does not have the authority to make a decision.
Holomisa is adamant the rules of Parliament do not prohibit the use of a secret ballot during a motion of no confidence.
The motion comes amid ongoing calls for President Jacob Zuma to step down.
Thousands of people took to the streets last week, while opposition parties will march to the Union Buildings on Wednesday.
Leaders of the African Christian Democratic Party, African Independent Congress, African People's Convention, Agang SA, Congress of the People, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party and the United Democratic Movement will brief the media at Church Square on Monday.