LUSAKA – A faction of the Patriotic Front (PF) has issued a stern warning to its Members of Parliament, stating that any lawmaker who votes in favour of Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 today will be automatically expelled from the party.
Addressing a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, the faction’s National Chairperson, Jean Kapata, instructed PF MPs to abstain from attending the National Assembly as the bill comes up for its second reading and potential vote.
“PF MPs that will go to parliament tomorrow, consider yourself automatically expelled. We will follow you to your constituencies and give them other people,” Ms. Kapata warned.
Speaking at the same event, former Minister Chishimba Kambwili cautioned that history would judge harshly any lawmakers who support the bill. “Insansa shinya ubulanda [Extreme happiness breeds poverty]. Posterity will judge you harshly if you vote for that Bill,” Mr. Kambwili said.
He contended that the proposed legislation would abolish provisions allowing independent candidates to contest parliamentary elections.
The faction’s Acting President, Given Lubinda, added that any MPs who fail to vote against the bill will come to regret their decision in the future. The warnings set the stage for a high-stakes parliamentary session as legislators prepare to deliberate on the controversial bill.
