Zambian parliament approves motion to amend constitution

Zambia’s Parliament has approved a motion to amend the recently amended constitution with resounding numbers. The private member motion moved by Mwansabombwe Member of Parliament Rodgers Mwewa received massive support with 91 lawmakers voting YES while 52, predominately UPND, rejected the proposal with a NO vote. This is the first stage in what may be a tedious process. The ruling party will need two-thirds majority (106 out of 164 MPs) to successfully pass the amendments. According to the motion, MPs want the re-introduction of position for deputy ministers, council representation, ministers staying in office after dissolution of parliament. Lawmakers further want the immediate swearing in of a President after being declared winner. They also want to remove the 14 days clause provided to resolve any legal challenge before a presidential candidate is declared winner. Original Source: