ON Monday, after Bill 7 scraped through its third reading with 135 votes from UPND, PF and Independent MPs, Speaker Mutti did something that shocked even seasoned parliamentary observers. She did not join MPs in a celebratory dance on the floor of the House, she actually led them into it, going round and round while showing off the ruling party symbol. This was not a quiet smile, a dignified nod or a restrained acknowledgement of a controversial legislative milestone. It was an open, enthusiastic display of jubilation. For a presiding officer expected to be neutral, detached and above partisan triumphalism, this was not just inappropriate, it was profoundly damaging. The Speaker of Parliament is not an ordinary Member of Parliament....
