South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has obtained the required two-thirds majority in parliament that allows it to change the country's constitution.
The threshold was reached this week during the latest round of musical chairs by sitting members of parliament.
"It is an emotional thing. The ANC believes it has the backing of the overwhelming majority of the people and it was an anomaly that was not reflected in parliament," said Mogale Mashiapata of the Institute for Multiparty Democracy in Durban.
Under a controversial law that took effect last month, MPs can defect from one party to another during specific time-periods without seeking a new mandate from voters.
A senior ANC official said today the party had gained nine defectors via this "floor-crossing", bringing the total to 275, or 68.75 per cent of the 400-seat parliament.
The ANC had held 66 per cent, or 266 seats, since the 1999 general elections - just under the threshold.
The two-thirds majority is required to change the constitution and its key bill of rights. But any changes must also be in line with the bill of rights and must not contradict other parts of the constitution.
If they do, they risk being struck down by the Constitutional Court, the highest court in South Africa, legal experts said.