The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) says Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Patrick Matibini acyed within the law when revoking the recognition of the MMD as the official opposition party in parliament.
FODEP Executive Director Macdonald Chipenzi said Dr. Matibini followed the law which prescribes how a political party can be recognized by meeting certain criteria.
Dr Matibini revoked the recognition of MMD as the official opposition party in parliament yesterday following its dwindling numbers in the House from 53 to 51 members which goes against the provision of Article 84 (4) the Republican constitution to satisfy the provision of forming a quorum
Mr. Chipenzi told ZANIS in an interview that it was however FODEP’s considered view that Dr. Matibini should have used his discretion to recognize the former ruling party in parliament.
He explained that a precedent was set in 1992 when United National Independence Party (UNIP) fell below the required number and the then MMD controlled parliament recognized UNIP as the official opposition.
The FODEP Chief implored the opposition MMD to work extra hard in future by elections if they are to retain its former status as the official opposition political party in parliament.
Mr. Chipenzi further implored opposition political parties in parliament to continue providing effective checks and balances to the Patriotic Front (PF) led government.
And Mr. Chipenzi has described the alleged pending expulsion of 9 MMD Members of Parliament serving in government as unfortunate and unnecessary.
Mr. Chipenzi urged the MMD leadership and the affected Members of Parliament to find an amicable solution that will avert possible costly by elections.
He advised the affected MPs to torn down and respect the provisions of the MMD party constitution and leadership to avoid expulsions that can result in costly by elections.
Mr. Chipenzi also advised the MMD leadership to continue exercising maximum restraint and engage the affected MPs in order to reconcile divergent views .
He pointed out that Article 71 of the current constitution is very clear on the status of a Member of Parliament who decides to cross over to another political party.
ZANIS
Didnt Chipenzi hear that the Speaker indicated that he ll soon make a deciosn about who to consider as official opposition. Thats when the issue of speaker’s discretion comes in.
This is what happens when you give power to a politician! They will appoint their friends, relatives, tribesmen etc even when their character and comptence is questionable. They will do whatever they want as long they have power. People driven constitution is the only key. As long as the power is in Mr. Sata, he’ll do whatever he wants to suppress any threat to the throne. I can never be surprise coz l know how mean a politician is