At its special sitting held on Tuesday, 10 February 2004, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has passed a motion supported by all political parties present in the House dissolving itself ahead of the general elections scheduled to take place on 14 April 2004.
This followed a motion moved by Mrs Ina Cronje, chief whip of the ANC which was unanimously adopted by the Legislature. This motion followed the announcement of the election date by President Thabo Mbeki in the National Assembly on Monday. In an effort to ensure proper co-ordination in respect of the elections, President Mbeki has determined that all Provincial Legislatures should adopt the relevant Resolutions to dissolve by Tuesday, 10 February.
The election of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature having taken place on the 2nd of June 1999, the five year term of the Legislature under section 108(1) of the Constitution is only due to expire on the 12th of June 2004.
The scheduled election date being within the five year term of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature required the Premier to dissolve the Legislature in the fulfillment of his obligations under section 108(2) of the Constitution by the issue of a Proclamation calling and setting dates for the provincial election.
The Premier of the Province has formally dissolved the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature following the adoption of the Resolution by the House. He would accordingly issue a Proclamation in the provincial gazette setting dates for the provincial elections in keeping with the provision of section 108(2) of the Constitution.
As provided for in the Constitution, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature would remain competent to function from the time it is dissolved until the day before the first day of polling for the next Legislature.
For Enquiries:
Wiseman Nxumalo
Communication Manager: KZN Legislature
Cell: 082 906 0449
Bongani Sibisi
Head: House Proceedings: KZN Legislature
Cell: 082 807 8968