Don’t push it, Mr President

IT HAS been confirmed – the ANC recalled President Jacob Zuma. The ruling party needs to be commended for the action it took against Zuma. The party has shown it has listened to the people, and as the Cape Argus has reported the chorus of voices calling for Zuma to go has become larger and louder – and placed South Africa first.

And while the president has been given the ultimatum, it remains to be seen how and when he accepts the terms of his recall.

The ANC has not been clear on when it expects an answer to its letter submitted to Zuma on Monday night, but has told the country it expects an answer “soon”.

The Cape Argus urges South Africans to be patient, as the ANC follows its protocols and recalls the president.

But what if the president refuses to abide by his party leadership’s terms?

There are ways Zuma can still be removed and one of them would see him lose the benefits he would receive were he to bow out gracefully.

First, the ANC could institute a motion of no confidence in Parliament.

FOR this motion to succeed, a simple majority vote is needed. Quorum, or 50% of the seats in Parliament plus one, would be sufficient for Zuma to be forced to step down, along with his cabinet.

In this scenario, the Speaker of Parliament would act as the head of state for 30 days, during which time Parliament will need to elect a new president and deputy president.

Should the ANC choose not to go the no confidence vote route, the party could institute impeachment proceedings.

Impeachment would end worse for Zuma and his cabinet, but it would also be a little more difficult to pull off.

A two-thirds majority vote would secure an impeachment.

Were impeachment proceedings to succeed, Zuma would lose all his benefits, including personal security.

Despite the ANC’s top brass coming out with a seemingly firm message that Zuma will be recalled, it appears he could answer their letter at his leisure.

We urge Zuma, for the sake of the country, not to test the national executive committee’s patience and resign without further resistance.