Mon, 13 Mar 2017 11:20:16 +0000
By CHIKUMBI KATEBE
FOUNDATION for Democratic Process (FODEP) has condemned the rising tendency of conflict and dishonorable behaviour by Members of Parliament which has of late turned the National Assembly into a House of abusive language and violent conduct.
FODEP has advised Members of Parliament to ‘‘return the House to a more cooperative atmosphere’’.
FODEP executive director Chimfwembe Mweenge said MPs must adhere strictly to the customary conduct befitting members of the House unlike now when some of them have been overtaken by emotion and displaying unbecoming behavior towards one another.
“FODEP is dismayed that the atmosphere in the House has been “difficult” in recent times and it seems the parliamentary chamber is slowly being turned into an “inherently adversarial forum that tends to foster conflict”.
“Our electorate expect all MPs to make greater efforts to curb disorder and unruly behavior,” he said.
This followed the latest exchange of words and insults between State House Minister Freedom Sikazwe and PF Roan MP Chishimba Kambwili on Friday during the Vice President’s question time.
Mr Mweenge said Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini should have punished Mr Sikazwe and Mr Kambwili with UPND Mazabuka Central MP Garry Nkombo over their utterances on the floor of the House last week.
He charged that although the Speaker during the outbursts had urged all MPs to show decorum and set a positive example for Zambians, it was not enough that he kept quiet over the language used in the House.
“FODEP is hoping the Speaker will be able to control the heckling and sneering that has become the norm during the Vice President’s question period in the House.
“FODEP observes that lately, it appears that all sides in the House have, at different times, strayed quite far from the flexibility, accommodation and balance that ideally ought to exist in the House,” he said.
He urged MPs to reflect on how best to return the House to the cordial, cooperative atmosphere that Zambian voters would prefer.
