Governance and Development Advocates Zambia says the speaker’s decision to give Petauke Central Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Jay Banda, a 7 day ultimatum to attend parliamentary seatings or lose his seat, is in the best interest of the people of Petauke who have gone for months without representation in Parliament.
Advocates Executive Director, Elias Mulenga says the speakers decision does not violet the Constitution in any way, saying that article 71 of the Constitution of Zambia addresses the issue of absent Members of Parliament.
“According to this article, a Member of Parliament shall vacate their seat if they are absent from the National Assembly for a period prescribed by an Act of Parliament without the permission of the Speaker,” said Mr. Mulenga in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Mr. Mulenga has however expressed disappointment with the pending by election in Petauke Central, that he says will be costly to the nation with only a year left before the 2026 general election.
He has therefore urged elected leaders to be selfless and serve their people diligently as opposed to causing what he termed unnecessary by-elections.
Angel Kasabo
