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Operation Young Vote (OYV) has joined calls for constitutional action against Members of Parliament who have defected from their sponsoring parties but continue to hold seats in the National Assembly.
In a statement, OYV Executive Director, Guess Nyirenda, said the organisation agreed with concerns raised by Citizens First leader, Harry Kalaba, on April 17, 2026, noting that the issue went beyond partisan politics and touched the core of Zambia’s constitutional order.
Nyirenda cited Article 72(2)(c) of the Constitution, which states that MPs who leave the party that sponsored them to Parliament must have their seat declared vacant.
“Article 72(2)(c) of our Constitution is unambiguous. It is one of the safeguards that upholds our democratic framework,” Nyirenda said.
He warned that the continued participation of defecting MPs risked undermining the integrity of the National Assembly and could plunge the country into a constitutional crisis.
“The continued presence in Parliament of Members who have crossed the floor raises important constitutional questions that deserve serious responses — or we swim in constitutional crisis as a people,” he said.
Nyirenda stressed that the matter must be handled firmly and lawfully, including assessing the role of the Speaker in ensuring compliance with constitutional provisions.
Read More: Group backs calls for defecting lawmakers to vacate their seats
He added that changes in parliamentary composition resulting from defections, without returning to the electorate, understandably raised public concern.
According to OYV, shifts in political representation must reflect the will of the people and adhere to the constitutional processes designed to protect democratic accountability.
Nyirenda also referenced ongoing legislative processes, including the Electoral Process (Amendment) Bill of 2026, arguing that reforms must be built on legitimacy, transparency, and respect for the Constitution.
He called on President Hakainde Hichilema to fulfil his constitutional duty to uphold and defend the Constitution, noting that Article 92 provided mechanisms that may be invoked where constitutional challenges arose within Parliament.
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