Court allows secret ballot against Zuma

South Africa's Constitutional Court has ruled that the speaker of parliament can order a secret ballot in an upcoming no-confidence vote against President Jacob Zuma, a move that would open the way for members of his own party to vote against him.

That might make it possible to eventually oust the president, who has come under mounting pressure to resign over a string of corruption scandals.

"Without any fear of reprisals, the secret ballot has been identified as the best voting mechanism" by opposition parties, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng said during the court session.

Zuma has already survived several no-confidence motions, but he is now facing increasing criticism within his own African National Congress (ANC).

Analysts say a faction of the party could turn against him if the ballot is secret.