'Powerful' Court Ruling In South Africa

Parliament's speaker will now decide on whether MPs can vote in secret on no-confidence motion against the president. Reuters

South Africa's constitutional court has ruled that the speaker of parliament does have the discretion to request a secret ballot in a vote of no confidence against President Jacob Zuma.

BBC Africa Live report continues:

In a powerful ruling in which he touched upon issues of bribery, conflict of interest and fear, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said under the principle of separation of powers it was up to the speaker of parliament to decide how the vote is conducted.

Mr Zuma has faced mounting allegations of corruption and impropriety and faced criticism from within his own party.

Yet it was feared that members of the governing ANC would be reluctant to vote openly against him for fear of reprisals.

A new date for a motion of no confidence now has to be set.

South African Court Rules In Secret Ballot Case Against Zuma

Associated Press reports that South Africa's highest court says it is up to the speaker of parliament to decide whether a vote of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma can be done by secret ballot.

Opposition parties had wanted a secret ballot in the belief that disgruntled lawmakers in the ruling party could turn against Zuma if their votes are not publicly disclosed and they have less fear of reprisals from their own party.

However, the Constitutional Court ruled Thursday that parliamentary speaker Baleka Mbete, a ruling African National Congress member and Zuma ally, can decide on a secret vote. The court says the constitution is "silent" on the matter.

Zuma has faced calls for his resignation even from within the ruling party because of scandals involving alleged corruption and mismanagement.