Independent Democrats Johannesburg slams ‘notorious and undemocratic Item 34’
27 -07-2007, 13H00 Mervyn Cirota, the ID Caucus Leader and National Chairperson of the party, has slammed ‘the ANC’s notorious Item 34, which makes provision for a majority of parties to speak for only a few seconds each in the council.
‘It was a disgraceful and shameful submission from the ANC, who at one
time fought for the right of all people to express their political
views. I urge the Speaker, Acting Mayor and ANC Chief Whip to consider
this matter very seriously, as the ID sees it as a direct attack on our
Constitution,’ says Cirota.
A further part of Item 34 is that it will be reviewed in six months. The ANC is the only party that has refused to reject Item 34 as ‘a fundamental travesty and attack against democracy.’
After the ANC forced the passing of Item 34 the same political parties met again and resolved to work together in challenging this decision. A press conference hosted by all political parties is scheduled for Monday at 11H00 - the venue is yet to be announced.
Item 34 means that in a 30-minute debate, the ANC will speak for 18.8 minutes, the DA for 8.14 min, IFP 57.6 seconds, the ID 32 seconds, the ACDP 16.56 seconds, while the PAC, AZAPO, CDP, CF, Independent, OKM, UDM and FFplus will each speak for 8.28 seconds.
‘The ID will never be gagged. We have the example of our President Patricia de Lille, who fought the first Freedom of Expression case in our country after freedom and won it,’ Cirota says.
Released by ID National Chairperson Mervyn Cirota – 083 601 1385
A further part of Item 34 is that it will be reviewed in six months. The ANC is the only party that has refused to reject Item 34 as ‘a fundamental travesty and attack against democracy.’
After the ANC forced the passing of Item 34 the same political parties met again and resolved to work together in challenging this decision. A press conference hosted by all political parties is scheduled for Monday at 11H00 - the venue is yet to be announced.
Item 34 means that in a 30-minute debate, the ANC will speak for 18.8 minutes, the DA for 8.14 min, IFP 57.6 seconds, the ID 32 seconds, the ACDP 16.56 seconds, while the PAC, AZAPO, CDP, CF, Independent, OKM, UDM and FFplus will each speak for 8.28 seconds.
‘The ID will never be gagged. We have the example of our President Patricia de Lille, who fought the first Freedom of Expression case in our country after freedom and won it,’ Cirota says.
Released by ID National Chairperson Mervyn Cirota – 083 601 1385
