The Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) says it will defend the Chilanga Parliamentary Seat.
UPND Deputy Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the party is still popular in the area.
Speaking to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Mweetwa, who is UPND Choma Central Member of Parliament welcomed the decision by the Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini to declare the Chilanga Seat vacant.
“As a party, we’re ready to defend the Chilanga Parliamentary seat and we respect the Speaker’s verdict to declare it vacant,” Mr. Mweetwa said.
This follows the conviction of former area Member of Parliament Keith Mukata for murder.
Early this month, Dr. Matibini told Parliament that he is obliged by the Republican Constitution to write to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) informing the Commission of the vacancy in Chilanga Constituency.
The Speaker cited Article 70 (2) (F) of the amended constitution that states that a person is disqualified from being elected as a Member of Parliament if the person is serving a sentence of imprisonment for an offence under a written law.
Dr. Matibini explained that the amended constitution no longer allows a Member of Parliament who is serving a prison sentence pending appeal to continue holding the seat.
He further stated that in the case of Mr. Mukata, a certificate of death sentence is sufficient evidence that he is serving a prison sentence therefore, Mr. Mukata is disqualified.
Meanwhile, the Republican President Edgar Lungu also welcomed the decision of the Speaker of the National Assembly to declare the Chilanga Parliamentary seat vacant.
President Lungu said it is the Speaker’s jurisdiction to declare a seat vacant if need arises.
The ECZ will soon announce and set the official dates for campaigns, filling-in of nominations and voting date in Chilanga to allow political parties canvass votes from the electorates.
“As a party, we’re ready to defend the Chilanga Parliamentary seat and we respect the Speaker’s verdict to declare it vacant,” Mr. Mweetwa said.
The toddlers have come to their senses ….really laughable …what did we say last week: they have no strategy whatsoever PF is very lucky to have such a Party in opposition easily distracted.
Watching from the terraces. This will be a litmus test for both parties.
HONESTLY I WOULD LOVE ONE PARTY OTHER THAN PF OR UPNDEAD TO CARRY THE DAY.
“”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””
Realistically who gives the damn who wins. Next, it will be Roan Constituency n’ we will have NDC claiming victory already. Good luck folks.
In all honest the Seaker erred in law.
The Speaker is old and probably suffers from mild Alzheimer.
Put a law and retire anyone over 65 Years of age to Infuse young blood such as myself
Thanks
BB2014,2016
What about Kambwili’s seat? He is arrested on 37 counts.
Declare his seat vacant, it will be cheaper for ECZ.
REALLY UNDER5s; in one breath they are violently opposing in another they total agreeable – this show these guys are political lightweights with no clout!!!!!!!!!
UPND will win that by election. Just like in 2021 they- UPND are winning. But are they the right chaps? A close look at the make up of UPND and their recycled lot which includes the likes of Musukotwane, Munkumbwe, Sejani, Masebo, Sichinga, Lupando Mwape, and GBM etc etc etc this is a cross section of proper overused politicians some have been in UNIP, MMD and the ruling PF. What does this tell us? What new ideas will they bring? Look at the performance of their MPs nothing but the same selfish behaviour that MMD and the current PF Mps exibit.
Yes we have UPNDEAD default voters around that area too. PF has won most bye elections judging from experience. I hate bye elections.
So why was Jack Mwiimbu blaming the Speaker over Chilanga seat last week?Jack Mwiimbu is a very useless lawyer no wonder he has never won HH or upnd any case in court as he talks before he thinks!!!
UPND calls PF leadership as Chipante pante when even its leaders are CHIPANTE PANTE TOO!!
Chilanga seat could even be won by PF if upnd is not careful.during last year’s by election at ward level,PF won in Chilanga!!
@ THORN IN THE FLESH: “UPNDead”.
I LIKE IT
BURIAL WILL BE IN 2021
VERY SAD PEOPLE CAN CELEBRATE FOR A BY ELECTION , WHAT ABOUT THE JUDGEMENT FOR KEITH MUKATA, CANT PARLIAMENT REVERSE IT? PAYS A SMALL FINE AND SAVE MILLIONS OF KWACHAS TO BE SPENT ON CAMPAIGNS
most stupid comment
Indeed, Eshu. Really s.t.u.p1d comment.
I have also never seen something as Stupid as this! Murder ati just pay a small fee! ANYOKO sure.
@Mushota there’re equally as many young men and women infused with alcohol and drug addiction turning them into walking sticks
Since Mweetwa started making the last important announcements, they seem to be coming to their senses. He recently said they recognise ECL as president, are the younger upnds taking charge as opposed to the hardline stances of Mwimbu, Katuka or Kakoma who oppose anything and don’t seem to have a strategy in place??
Where has Mweetwa been? He has been soooo quiet! What was going on?
@2020Vision: I agree with you UPND is winning clean and only clean. Simple arithmetic ba PF
Away with politics.
@Ndetila Nati, here is the explanation you wanted on the other thread. Matibini tewakwangalako, he’s several light miles away from the UPND law makers. Zambia now has a New Testament 2016 Version.
Keep on dreaming, if upnd was not tribal party , yes they would have won even 2021 general elections. But because of tribalism and HH connections to Anglo America which is apparently seen that they want minerals only. Bet no persons from special grouping will allow that. Even if is to rig they will because of HH’s evil kind of politics. Away from that,going to bring chaos in terms of leadership in all sectors of politics, economic, national security and etc which may bring about civil wars. We all saw what took place after his last two loses and up to now HH’s hatred is still eating the country bit by bit.
@Nostradamus , HAS CK BEEN CONVICTED?
Dr. Matibini explained that the amended constitution no longer allows a Member of Parliament who is serving a prison sentence pending appeal to continue holding the seat. I now see the sense. Yes until he appeals, then the status quo will revert to its origin.
The way you express your sentiments, you are proving to be the wrong chaps
..bye elections shall b a litmus test for both opposition and ruling pat
rties
Bushe Mr Mwiimbu is he a lawyer? The man should stand up in parliament on a point of order to ask for a legal interpretation of what he should know or read himself. Eba lawyer ba upndeez aba? No wo wonder h.h confused with petition and abandoned at midnight.
I would suggest that Upnd field Hakainde Hichilema so that he can actively participate in parliament business.