With Democratic Alliance members having elected a new federal leader, attention is now turning to who will take charge of the party’s presence in Parliament.
The position has opened up as Geordin Hill-Lewis has confirmed he will not be returning to the legislature, creating the need for a new parliamentary leader to guide the caucus.
The party is set to begin its nomination process next Monday, giving MPs the opportunity to put forward candidates ahead of a vote expected to take place during a caucus meeting on 7 May, as per EWN.
Until that decision is made, Hill-Lewis will temporarily oversee the caucus, while George Michalakis continues in his role as chief whip.
The situation marks a rare moment for the party, as it has not had to separate the roles of federal leader and parliamentary leader since the time of Helen Zille, when leadership responsibilities were split during her tenure in government.
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Caucus chairperson Desiree Van Der Walt explained that the process has been slightly extended to accommodate MPs who are currently engaged in constituency work and oversight visits.
‘In order to make sure all our members are back in the ordinary programme of parliament, as well as to give those candidates who are nominated a fair opportunity to campaign.’
She also confirmed that the election will be handled by the party’s federal office to ensure a fair and impartial outcome.
‘In the interim, according to our caucus rules, our federal leader is acting as the parliamentary leader.’
A total of 99 members from both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces will be eligible to nominate candidates, setting the stage for what could be a closely watched internal contest within the party.
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Also read:
Geordin Hill-Lewis elected as leader of the Democratic Alliance
Picture: Fani Mahuntsi / Gallo Images
