The PF is determined to capture and control the National Assembly of Zambia by violating provisions of Article 217 and 218 of the Constitution, says leader of the opposition in Parliament Jack Mwiimbu.

In a statement issued, Tuesday, Mwiimbu stated that the PF-led Executive had deliberately resolved to violate the provisions of Article 217 and 218 of the Constitution, which created the Parliamentary Service Commission and its inherent powers.

“It has become very evident that the Executive is determined to capture and control the National Assembly of Zambia. The Executive has deliberately, and with impunity, resolved to violate the provisions of Article 217 and 218 of the Constitution of Zambia, which creates the Parliamentary Service Commission and its inherent powers. For ease of reference Article 218 of the Constitution of Zambia is hereby produced and states that; (1) There is established the Parliamentary Service Commission. (2) The Parliamentary Service Commission shall (a) Appoint the check of the National Assembly (b) Constitute offices in the Parliamentary Service (c) Appoint, confirms, promote and hear appeals from offices of the Parliamentary Service; (d) Ensure efficient and effective functioning of the National Assembly; (e) Perform each other functions as prescribed,” Mwiimbu stated.

He stated that the deliberate failure to actualise the Parliamentary Service Commission enabled the Executive to control Parliament.

“It is trite to state that pursuant to the enactment of the Constitution of Zambia [Amendment] Act No. 2 of 2016, the Parliament of Zambia enacted the Parliamentary Service Act in the year 2016. To-date, the Parliamentary Service Commission has not been actualized by the Executive. The deliberate failure to actualise the Parliamentary Service Commission enables the Executive to control Parliament,” Mwiimbu added.

And Mwiimbu observed that the Executive had breached the provisions of Article 66 of the Constitution of Zambia.

“It has to be noted that the current Constitution of Zambia has provided for processes to be complied with for a Bill to become law in this country vide Article 66 of the Constitution of Zambia. It has to be observed that the Executive have breached the provisions of Article 66 of the Constitution on Article 66 of Zambia. The National Assembly as custodian of laws of this country should abide by the provisions of Article 66(6) of the Constitution of Zambia by ensuring that the Parliament Service Commission is in place immediately to ensure efficiency, effectiveness and independence of the National Assembly of Zambia,” stated Mwiimbu.