I will not declare any seat vacant – Speaker

Speaker, Dr Matibini

Speaker of the National Assembly, Patrick Matibini says he will not declare any seat vacant in the absence of written communication indicating that a person is no longer a member of a particular political party.

Dr. Matibini says he is currently hesitant to declare seats vacant owing to members shifting of their political loyalty.

He says he is amazed at the many shifts in loyalty by members at various forums including press briefings and the manner parliamentarian’s debate in the house.

Dr. Matibini says the trend is strange and a peculiar political culture.

He said this when passing a ruling on a point of order raised by Monze Central Member of Parliament, Jack Mwiimbu who wondered if his Katuba counterpart, Jonas Shakafuswa was in order to be in the Chambers despite endorsing the ruling Patriotic Front -PF-.

Mr. Mwiimbu complained that Mr. Shakafuswa who is also a UPND law maker has continued issuing disparaging remarks against his part even in parliament – ZNBC.