Hon Chief Justice, I am sorry to disrupt the proceedings. I just need some clarity on specific points in terms of the Rules. I have taken note of the fact that the DA indicated that they were going to abstain and I have noticed during proceedings that they do not collect their ballot papers and do not vote either. My concern is that I think it is not in order with the Rules.
If we look at the Rules issued for today - Rule 5(3)(b) clearly indicates that when the name of a member is called, he or she must, if present at the meeting, be issued with a ballot paper and record his or her vote in accordance with Rule 5(5). My concern is that in the end we are going to have fewer ballot papers in the box than members in the House. I just need some clarity on the matter. Is it in order that members are present, and are not making use of the ballot papers, in terms of the Rules? In terms of what the rule says, if they are present, they must be issued with a ballot? I thank you.