Private Members Bill to scrap Floor Crossing

May 4, 2006

IFP spokesperson for Justice, Mr JH van der Merwe MP, submitted a Private Members Bill to Parliament on the 29 March 2006, which provided for the scrapping of Floor Crossing Legislation.

Mr. Van der Merwe said:
"On the occasion of celebrating the passing of our Constitution, I wish to reiterate that current legislation contradicts the objectives of the Constitution which provides for a citizen's Constitutional right to vote for a political party and to be represented in Parliament in accordance with the votes cast. Voters vote for political parties and not for individuals, so in essence, when politicians carry seats over to the other party without the consent of the voters, they - the politicians - disregard the wishes of the voters. Floor Crossing should in fact be called "Seat Stealing" ".

The IFP has noted that it has been 35 days since the Private Members Bill was handed to Parliament and the IFP is looking forward to this Bill being debated and passed.

In conclusion Van der Merwe said:
"The Private Members Bill will give full effect to the principle and practice that the people shall govern, perhaps parliament feels it is too close to the 10th Anniversary of the Constitution to mention the Bill, as it might actually remind the voters of the illegitimacy of some self-serving politicians".


For further information contact:
Mr JH Van der Merwe - 082 444 4944
Noleen Hendricks - 082 886 9848