Parliamentary Speaker, Baleka Mbete and President Jacob Zuma have filed papers in the Constitutional Court opposing an application by the UDM for a secret ballot to be allowed when a motion of not confidence in President Zuma is tabled in Parliament.
The application to the court was made by the UDM, who wants an order that effectively changes Parliamentary rules to allow for the secret ballot.
In replying papers, Speaker Baleka Mbete, reportedly said that there are no exceptional circumstances warranting the UDM direct access to the Constitutional Court.
She reportedly said in her papers that the UDM had not exhausted all its avenues in Parliament before approaching the courts.
Mbete said that the UDM application has no merit adding that the party should have referred the matter to Parliament's rules committee.
In his papers, President Jacob Zuma reportedly said that his decision to reshuffle the cabinet was "rational".
Debate on the motion of no confidence has been put on hold until the Constitutional Court rules on the matter.
The UDM has to submit its response to the affidavits by the the President and the Speaker next week.
Earlier, on Thursday, ANC presidential hopeful, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma spoke out against the "secret ballot", saying it would be an insult to ANC MP's who should not hide from the party.
She said she was glad that the ANC had opposed the secret ballot.
