KALABA QUESTIONS LEGITIMACY, CALLS FOR DISSOLUTION
By Warren Mazimba
LUSAKA — The legitimacy of Zambia’s Parliament has come under sharp scrutiny following strong remarks by Harry Kalaba, who has challenged the moral and constitutional standing of the current legislature amid rising defections from opposition ranks.
The Citizen First leader has stated that Members of Parliament are betraying the electorate by crossing over to the ruling party without seeking fresh mandates from the people.
“Fellow Zambians, our Parliament’s constitutional mandate is now in serious question. It no longer speaks for you,” Kalaba said.
Kalaba’s concerns are anchored in the Constitution of Zambia, particularly Article 72, which provides for circumstances under which an MP must vacate office.
The Constitution states:
Article 72 (2)(d): the office of Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the member “resigns from the political party which sponsored the member for election to the National Assembly.”
Article 72 (2)(e): the office becomes vacant if the member “is expelled from the political party which sponsored the member for election to the National Assembly.”
Article 72 (2)(g): it also applies where a Member of Parliament, “having been elected to the National Assembly as an independent candidate, joins a political party.”
Kalaba said the continued presence of defecting MPs in Parliament undermines constitutional integrity.
“The Constitution is clear. MPs who abandon the ticket on which they were elected must vacate their seats. But this is not being enforced,” he said.
He further questioned the conduct of the presiding authorities, arguing that failure to act weakens constitutional governance.
In addition, the composition of the leadership of the House has also come under discussion. The Constitution provides clear guidance on political balance in the deputy speaker positions.
Article 82 (3): “There shall be two Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly who are not members of the same political party and of the same gender.”
Kalaba argued that such provisions exist to safeguard fairness and institutional neutrality, warning that political dominance through defections distorts parliamentary representation.
The remarks come at a time when Parliament is considering a raft of legislative measures, including the proposed Electoral Process Bill of 2026 a development Kalaba argues lacks legitimacy under the current circumstances.
“We now have a Parliament whose authority is compromised, yet this House wants to pass 21 bills, including the Electoral Process Bill 2026. This Parliament lacks the moral authority to make laws for you,” he charged.
Kalaba further pointed to the shifting numerical strength in the National Assembly, noting that the ruling party’s growing majority is a result of defections rather than electoral endorsement.
“The ruling party had 85 MPs in 2021, but today, with defectors, they control 132. That is not your mandate,” he said.
The Citizens First President has further urged President Hakainde Hichilema to invoke constitutional powers under Article 92 to dissolve Parliament and return the decision to the electorate.
“Mr President, you swore to defend the Constitution. Use Article 92 and dissolve Parliament now. Return power to the people. Democracy must be earned. The people are sovereign,” Kalaba declared.
Over the past few weeks, the nation has witnessed a surge in defections from the former ruling PF and independent Members of Parliament. Among them is Moses Moyo, the Second Deputy Speaker and Independent MP for Luangeni.
It is not automatic that following the law you have quoted that the MP leaves office. There is procedure to be followed. Who wrote to the speaker to declare their seats vacant?