No Evidence, No Vacant Seats

Mutti throws out defection allegations, says MPs cannot lose seats on rumours alone

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (10-05-2026) -- Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti has ruled that no Member of Parliament can lose their seat on the basis of political allegations without evidence, dismissing claims that several lawmakers had crossed the floor in breach of the Constitution.

Delivering a consolidated ruling on three separate Points of Order raised in April 2026, Ms Mutti said the principle guiding Parliament is clear: without proof of resignation or formal defection, no seat can be declared vacant.

She stressed that accusations, political statements, or speculation do not meet the constitutional threshold required under Article 72.

The ruling followed allegations that some MPs had defected to the ruling while others were said to have joined the through the Tonse Alliance.

The first Point of Order was raised by Lukashya MP , who alleged that six MPs had joined the UPND in violation of Article 72. The lawmakers named were , , , , and .

Katombola MP later raised a similar concern, questioning whether , Mr Chisanga and had breached the Constitution by allegedly joining the FDD through the Tonse Alliance.

Nkana MP also sought clarification on why the Luangeni seat had not been declared vacant after Second Deputy Speaker , who was elected as an Independent MP, was alleged to have joined the UPND.

In all cases, Ms Mutti said the Office of the Clerk wrote to the affected MPs to obtain their responses in line with parliamentary procedure and the principles of natural justice.

The MPs denied defecting, stating that no formal change of party affiliation had taken place. Mr Sunday Chanda clarified that he had only expressed intention to join the UPND after the dissolution of Parliament and therefore remained a member of the .

“In the absence of any evidence … the six Members of Parliament are in order as they have not abrogated the Constitution,” Ms Mutti ruled.

On the remaining allegations involving Mr Mundubile, Mr Chisanga, Mr Kampyongo and Honourable Moyo, the Speaker noted that no responses had been received from them.

However, she said Parliament had also not been presented with any evidence to substantiate the claims.

She therefore ruled that the MPs should continue discharging their parliamentary duties.

Meanwhile, Ms Mutti disclosed that had formally resigned after accepting adoption as presidential candidate for the ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Election.

She said the resignation was properly documented and legally confirmed, giving Parliament sufficient grounds to act and stop his participation in parliamentary business.

Ms Mutti further cautioned lawmakers that allegations of fact must always be supported by evidence laid before the House, warning that constitutional action cannot be based on unverified claims.