SPEAKER CLEARS SIX MPS OF DEFECTING TO UPND CITING LACK OF EVIDENCE
By Chamuka Shalubala
Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti has ruled that there is no sufficient evidence to prove allegations that some opposition Members of Parliament crossed the floor to join the ruling UPND.
Delivering a ruling in the national assembly following a point of order raised by Lukashya Member of Parliament George Chisanga, Ms. Mutti said none of the members who raised the matter tabled evidence to support claims that the lawmakers had defected to the UPND.
Mr. Chisanga had questioned whether some opposition MPs who allegedly defected to the UPND were in breach of Article 72 of the constitution.
In her ruling, Ms. Mutti explained that in line with parliamentary practice and the rules of natural justice, the office of the clerk wrote to the affected members seeking their responses to the allegations.
She said responses were received from Mr. Michael Katambo, Mr. Sydney Mushanga, Mr. Sunday Chanda, Mr. Joel Chibuye, Ms. Marjorie Nakaponda and Mr. Leevan Chibombwe, who all denied defecting to the UPND.
The speaker noted that the members indicated they had only expressed interest to join the ruling party and had not formally crossed the floor of the house.
She has since ruled that all six lawmakers had not breached the constitution and should continue discharging their duties as Members of Parliament.
Ms. Mutti however said no responses were received from Mr. Brian Mundubile, Mr. Stephen Kampyongo, Mr. George Chisanga and Moses Moyo but ruled that they will continue to serve for the rest of the sitting.
PHOENIX NEWS