Nine PF MPs granted leave to commence Judicial Review
By Hannock Kasama
Nine Patriotic Front -PF- Members of Parliament have been granted leave to commence Judicial Review against the declaration of their seats vacant by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly MOSES MOYO.
LUSAKA High Court Judge SUZEN WANJELANI has scheduled July 16, 2024 for the commencement of their Judicial Review Hearing.
The nine PF Parliamentarians that are parties to the proceedings are MUTOTWE KAFWAYA of LUNTE, CHRISTOPHER KANG’OMBE of Kamfinsa, RONALD CHITOTELA of Pambashe, BRIAN MUNDUBILE of Mporokoso and STEPHEN KAMPYONGO of Shiwang’andu.
Others were MULENGA FUBE of Chilubi, NICKSON CHILANGWA of Kawambwa, MUSONDA MPAKATA of Lupososhi and REMEMBER MUTALE of Chitambo.
The nine parliamentarians filed an application for leave to apply for Judicial Review on July 5, 2024.
They sued Attorney General MULILO KABESHA contending that the declaration of their seats vacant is illegal, irrational and unreasonable.
They contended that Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly MOSES MOYO acted illegally by declaring their seats vacant because they have not been expelled by the PF.
The nine PF Parliamentarians also contended that Mr. MOYO’s action was in contravention of Standing Order Number 57 clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the National Assembly.
They further argued that the National Assembly does not have jurisdiction to declare their seats vacant as there is an active matter before the Constitutional Court where they have contested the rescinded announcement of their expulsion.
The nine Parliamentarians cited the cases of CHISHIMBA KAMBWILI verses the Attorney General and DERRICK CHITALA verses the Attorney General.
They sought a court’s declaration that their expulsion is null and void.
The nine PF Parliamentarians sought a declaration that if the leave for Judicial Review is granted, the same must operate as a stay on the declaration of their seats vacant.
