Secret ballot hearings under way at top court

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) today (Monday) told the Constitutional Court that its case for a secret ballot in the motion of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma is not about the separation of powers or the encroachment of the courts. The party says the issue comes down to whether a secret ballot is required, prohibited or permitted. A report on the EWN site notes that National Assembly Speaker Baleka Mbete has argued that the rules of Parliament make no provision for a secret vote. Advocate Dali Mpofu representing the UDM said 'if we succeed on the basis that the secret ballot is required, the issue of separation of powers does not come into it whatsoever'.