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Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, has ruled that several Patriotic Front members of Parliament who have publicly aligned themselves with the ruling United Party for National Development would retain their seats because there was no formal evidence that they have defected.
The ruling means the affected MPs will continue serving until Parliament is dissolved ahead of the August 2026 general election.
Among PF lawmakers who have publicly declared support for the UPND are Sunday Chanda, Davison Mungandu, Marjorie Nakaponda, Jonathan Daka, Robert Chabinga, Leevan Chibombwe and several others.
Read more: Zambia’s Speaker, Mutti, urges patience as ruling looms on defecting MPs
Delivering her ruling in Parliament on Sunday, Mutti said the information presented before the Chair did not prove that the lawmakers had officially crossed the floor.
She said the MPs had written to her indicating that they had only expressed interest in joining the UPND after the dissolution of Parliament and had not formally changed political parties while the House remains in session.
Meanwhile, Ackleo Banda recently announced his resignation from the PF and his decision to join the UPND.
The Speaker’s ruling has drawn comparisons with the case of former Luapula PF MP Chanda Katotobwe, who resigned his seat after filing his presidential nomination under the Patriots for Economic Progress.
Katotobwe had stated in his resignation letter that contesting under another political party amounted to crossing the floor and could violate constitutional provisions governing members of Parliament.
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