Parliament approves new rules to eject 'rowdy colleagues'

The National Assembly has approved new rules aimed at clamping down on lawmakers who disrupt parliamentary proceedings.

The ruling African National Congress and the main opposition Democratic Alliance proposed tightening the regulations after the third biggest party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, disrupted a question-and-answer session with President Jacob Zuma in June and forced an adjournment.

The new rules bar lawmakers from interfering with parliamentary security officials who are ordered to eject their colleagues by the presiding officers. The proposal was backed by all parties expect for the EFF, led by Julius Malema. In February, security officers dragged EFF legislators from the chamber after they interrupted Zuma’s state-of-the-nation address.

Zuma is scheduled to go back to parliament and respond to questions from lawmakers on Aug. 6.

— With assistance from Mike Cohen in Cape Town.

- Bloomberg