The crisis rocking the Zambian Parliament has intensified following the suspension of 17 opposition lawmakers of the Patriotic Front (PF) and Independent MPs by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, for 30 legislative days.
While making the announcement on Tuesday, Mutti said the MPs were suspended for alleged gross misconduct and effective Tuesday, November 7, and lasting till Wednesday, December 6, 2023.
Among those suspended are Nkana Indepedent Member of Parliament, Binwell Mpundu, who had filed a notification to the Clerk of the House seeking the impeachment of Mutti.
Others are Chinsali PF Member of Parliament, Kalalwe Mukosa, Stephen Kampyongo for Shiwang’andu, Lunte MP, Mutotwe Kafwaya, and Leader of Opposition in the House, Brian Mundubile, who was one of the first MPs to support Mpundu’s motion.
Mutti told the suspended lawnakers that during the period of their suspension, they would not be paid their salaries and would not participate in any activities involving parliament nor visit the National Assembly Motel.
“The National Assembly Act, Cap. 12 of the Laws of Zambia, provides guidance on these issues. Section 19 (c) provides that any person shall be guilty of an offence who causes an obstruction or disturbance within the precincts of the Assembly Chamber during a sitting of the Assembly or of a committee thereof,” Mutti said while addressing the opposition figures.
She said that “Section 25 (f) of the Act provides that any person who creates or joins in any disturbance which interrupts or was likely to interrupt the proceedings of the Assembly while it was sitting shall be guilty of an offence.
“Further, Standing Order 205 (a) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders 2021, provides that a member commits an act of gross disorderly conduct if he or she defies a ruling or direction of a presiding officer,” she said.
The Speaker added that in line with parliamentary practice and procedure and the rules of natural justice, the Office of the Clerk wrote to all the identified members requesting them to explain why they should not be found in breach of parliamentary privilege and contempt of the House for participating in inciting a Member to defy an order of the Speaker.
“Lawlessness is not equal to freedom of expression. Deliberately defying the Speaker or any presiding officer is not only an affront to the Speaker but it is an assault or attack on our constitutional democracy,” Mutti said.
Mutti explained that such a person shall be liable, on conviction, to a “fine not exceeding five thousand penalty units or to imprisonment with or without hard labour for a term not exceeding twelve months, or to both.”