30 PF MPs Suspended From National Assembly

The Deputy Speaker, Attractor Chisango, has suspended thirty Patriotic Front MPs from the National Assembly for breaching their parliamentary privileges during last year’s budget debate.

The MPs will be barred from parliamentary business until 13th April, except for Chawama MP Tasila Lungu, whose suspension will last from 21st March until 19th April because she is currently attending the Commonwealth Parliamentary Committee meeting in the United Kingdom.

The suspension follows an investigation into the MPs’ behaviour at last December’s budget debate, during which they protested and disturbed parliamentary proceedings. The deputy speaker has therefore suspended them under the terms of the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Act. 

Ms Chisango said that the PF members’ behaviour was dishonourable and criticised the MPs for diminishing the respect due to members of the House.

“I wish to make it clear that I will not tolerate gross indiscipline and misconduct from you or any member of the House. The honour, decorum and dignity of the House must be protected and preserved at all times,” she said, before ordering the MPs to reflect seriously on their conduct in future.

In addition, the deputy speaker has also dismissed the leader of the PF in parliament, Brian Mundubile, and Kamfinsa MP Christopher Kangombe from the Privileges and Absences Committee, with their replacements to be announced in due course. 

Mr Mundubila has already protested the deputy speaker’s decision and vowed to contest it.