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The Patriotic Front (PF) has expelled Members of Parliament who voted in favour of the controversial Bill Number 7, accusing them of defying party instructions.
The expulsions follow the passage of the Bill, which triggered widespread criticism and allegations of constitutional erosion, before its subsequent assent into law by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka on Thursday, Acting PF President Given Lubinda said the affected MPs had allegedly entered into a bargain with the ruling UPND to keep the division list secret.
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Lubinda, however, said the party had already identified those who voted contrary to a directive issued a day before the vote.
“We know who sat in that chamber and we know how those in the chamber voted,” he said.
He questioned why Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Muti had not authorised the release of the division list, which has remained withheld despite calls for transparency.
Lubinda also acknowledged that some MPs absented themselves from the proceedings, expressing hope that their decisions were made in good faith and in line with the will of the people.
“History will judge every elected leader by where they stood at this defining moment, the Patriotic Front will not be silent and will not abandon the people of Zambia,” Lubinda stated.
He further directed all party structures to take formal notice of the expelled MPs’ change in status.
“We call upon all other opposition political parties to remain resolute and to be committed to a pursuit of democracy,” Lubinda said, urging unity in the face of what he described as constitutional challenges.
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