The speaker of South Africa’s parliament ruled on Monday that a motion of no-confidence in President Jacob Zuma brought by opposition parties will be held through a secret ballot – a decision which increases the chances he will have to step down.
The decision could embolden members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to vote against Zuma and puts him in a precarious position as he struggles to fend off opposition accusations of corruption and mismanaging the economy.
If the motion succeeds, Zuma – in power since 2009 – and his entire cabinet would have to step down.
Speaker Baleka Mbete, who is also the ANC National Chairwoman, told a news conference that her decision was meant to ensure the outcome of vote was credible.
Eight previous no-confidence motions against Zuma have failed as the ANC has a commanding majority in parliament, but they were all held through an open process.
However, protesters calling for Zuma to step down had mixed views on the effectiveness of the secret ballot in removing Zuma from power.
