Wednesday, 16 August 2017 – Parliament notes public debate regarding how certain MPs voted during the secret ballot to consider the motion of no confidence in the President on 8 August.

Parliament wishes to reaffirm that all the necessary measures were put in place to ensure that the integrity of the secret ballot is not compromised, thereby making the identity of the voter impossible to trace.

The only printing on the ballot papers was an authentication stamp and simple question with a choice of three options against which to make a mark: No, Yes or Abstain. To further ensure maximum secrecy of the process, no gadgets were permitted in the voting booth, photojournalists with zoom lens cameras were requested to vacate the gallery and chamber broadcast camera controllers were ordered not to focus on voting booths.

The ballot boxes were then stored in archive boxes under lock and key and may only be opened by order of the National Assembly Speaker or a court of law.

The rigorous confidentiality measures regarding the Motion of No Confidence were endorsed by all parties and are similar to those employed in the election of the President and Presiding Officers since 1994.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo 082 370 6930