‘Inept MPs panicky as Parliament life nears end’
By Thandizo Banda
PANIC and anxiety have gripped some members of Parliament (MPs), particularly those who have under-performed, as the dissolution of Parliament looms, Shiwang’andu MP Stephen Kampyongo has said.
And Kampyongo has joined those demanding that Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Moyo, step down, saying he technically ceases to assume the role of presiding over the business of the House after joining the United Party for National Development (UPND).
President Hakainde Hichilema is on May 12 expected to dissolve Parliament to pave the way for the August presidential and general elections in compliance with the Constitution.
Kampyongo told The Mast the impending Parliamentary deadline has sparked concerns about the future of MPs, with some lawmakers likely worried about their chances in the upcoming polls.
He advised the outgoing MPs to widely consult their constituents before deciding to re-contest.
“It is interesting to witness how most honourable MPs have gone helter skelter at the last minute trying to get things done before the dissolution of Parliament and the elections in August. But truth be told, very little can be done at the moment. Time is gone,” Kampyongo said.
“As MPs we need to cast our selfish interests aside and ask the electorates if they want us to run again,” he said.
Kampyongo expressed concern that many people pursued parliamentary seats mainly as a job opportunity rather than genuine public service.
“Most MPs end up being disappointed when their expectations are not met,” he said.
Kampyongo bemoaned the UPND’s micro management of its MPs, observing that MPs from the ruling party often just nod along, lacking independent voice or critique.
He said the trend made them less effective representatives.
“Their support seems more about party loyalty than genuine agreement or public interest,” Kampyongo said.
He slammed Moyo’s switch to UPND just before dissolution, calling it selfish and reckless.
“Article 72 of the Zambian Constitution states that an MP who was elected as an independent candidate and joins a political party will vacate their seat. This means independent MPs are barred from joining a political party if they want to keep their seat in Parliament,” Kampyongo said.
He said Moyo, who last week joined the UPND with the expectation of being adopted, had ceased to be a presiding officer in Parliament,” he said.
