Parliament interdicted against swearing in of new Congress of the People (COPE) COPE Member of Parliament (MP)

29 Mar 2011

Parliament was this morning served with an interim interdict, minutes before National Assembly Speaker Mr Max Sisulu was scheduled to swear in new Congress of the People (COPE) Member of Parliament Mr Graham McIntosh.

The interdict restrains Parliament's National Assembly Speaker from swearing in any person nominated to fill the vacancy left by Mr Sam Shilowa's expulsion. The interdict prevents the filling of a vacancy in COPE until the finalisation of matters concerning COPE which are before the South Gauteng High Court and the Western Cape High Court.

The interim interdict is valid until 31 March, after which it may become final.

Parliament will respect the decision of the court.

Statement issued by Parliament of South Africa, March 29 2011

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