CAPE TOWN: A parliamentary vote of no confidence in South African President Jacob Zuma will be held by secret ballot, it was announced on Monday, in a move that could encourage some ANC lawmakers to choose to oust him.

The vote to be held on Tuesday has become a test of African National Congress (ANC) unity as senior party figures have been increasingly critical of their leader — but it is unlikely to succeed in toppling Zuma.

“Voting on the motion of no confidence in the president... will be by secret ballot,” parliament Speaker Baleka Mbete announced, in a decision that took many analysts by surprise.

Zuma, who came to power in 2009, has been implicated in multiple corruption scandals, while the South African economy has fallen into recession and unemployment has risen to record levels. The 75-year-old is due to step down as head of the ANC in December, and as president before the 2019 general election — lessening pressure for his party to seek imminent change.

The vote has been subject to a long legal battle waged by opposition parties, with the Constitutional Court ruling that a secret ballot was an option. “It’s a surprising but strategic move,” independent analyst Judith February said.

“Zuma is likely to remain even if a few MPs vote against him. I would be very surprised if Zuma goes by this process.

“The decision takes the wind out of the sails of the opposition as well as civil society marches and activism around this issue.”

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2017