(Melo Media, Tuesday, 7th November, 2023)
A total of sixteen Members of Parliament, consisting of both members from the Patriotic Front (PF) party and Independent MPs, have been suspended for a period of 30 days due to their gross misconduct. This suspension serves as a consequence for their actions.
The Members of Parliament have been suspended due to their involvement in the disruption of parliamentary proceedings on Wednesday.
Following the chaotic incident that occurred in the National Assembly, Speaker Nelly Mutti expressed her disappointment with the conduct of Christopher Kang’ombe and the other Members of Parliament. As a result, they have been suspended for gross misconduct.
Sixteen Members of Parliament, including those from the PF and Independent parties, have been suspended for gross misconduct. Their actions were deemed to be a breach of parliamentary privileges and a contempt of the house.
The speaker has suspended Mr. Kang’ombe and 16 other MPs for gross misconduct and breaching parliamentary privileges. The speaker emphasized that while freedom of expression is important, defying the speaker or any presiding officer is seen as an attack on the constitution of democracy. The protest that took place in the chamber was deemed to be in contempt of the house.
Ms. Mutti has taken a strong stance against misconduct from parliamentarians, stating that she will not tolerate any form of it. She believes that the behavior of parliamentarians should be exemplary and held to a high standard. As a result, several MPs, including those from the PF and Independent parties, have been suspended for gross misconduct.
A total of 21 MPs were identified as participants in the protest, leading to their suspension for gross misconduct. However, it should be noted that five of these MPs have since written to the office of the clerk, indicating that they were not actually part of the protest.
Mr. Kang’ombe was recently suspended for gross misconduct after an incident in which he allegedly shouted and pointed fingers at the speaker of the house. He was accused of being disruptive and disrespectful, leading to his removal from the proceedings.
