Bill 10 Vote Is Final, Rules Speaker

Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini has ruled that last week’s vote on Constitutional Amendment Bill 10 cannot be overturned, meaning that the bill will remain dead.

Dr Matibini’s statement came in response to a point of order raised by Chifubu MP Frank Ng’ambi. Mr Ng’ambi said that his vote - alongside Mwansabombwe MP Kabaso Kampampi and Kamfinsa representative Elalio Musonda - had not been captured in support of Bill 10.

During last Thursday’s vote, Mr Ng’ambi reportedly pressed a button to indicate that he was present but failed to press the button in favour of the bill.

However, Dr Matibini said that if Mr Ng’ambi had an issue with the technology then he should have asked an IT expert to help as they were readily available. 

The Speaker of the House urged MPs to become acquainted with the voting technology to avoid such mishaps in the future. 

PF Secretary General Davies Mwila recently wrote to three party members, including Mr Ng’ambi, asking them to explain why they failed to vote in favour of the government’s bill.

Those members who failed to vote have been asked to explain their actions or face disciplinary measures.