Vice President Inonge Wina was pushed to face her predecessor Guy Scott in parliament over remarks the latter made about causing havoc until the ruling Patriotic Front was dislodged from power.
And Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini had to cease fire over boiling temperatures over the never withering away subject of possibly printing ballot papers in Dubai.
During the Vice President’s Question time Kapiri Mposhi Member of Parliament Eddie Musonda sought what Wina’s take was on Scott’s remarks with the Vice President branding the comments unfortunate.
“The rules of the house are very clear that we should not debate ourselves however I would say if the words published in The Post Newspapers are true then it is unfortunate,” she said.
“It is unfortunate because we hold words of our leaders very seriously.”
Wina had the opposition side of the house rising up in arms when her scurrilous remark that it seems some contenders for printing ballot papers had agents in parliament.
“Mr Speaker the Electoral Commission of Zambia has not yet chosen who is going to print ballot papers. I did not realize that some South African company bidding to print ballot papers had agents in parliament. ECZ is an autonomous body but it seems there are people who are working to undermine their work,” she said.
“I am wondering if other companies on the bidding list have made inroads in hiring agents in parliament to do their bidding.”
At this stage the left side of the house rose in protest forcing the Speaker to step in and quench the raging fire.
“Let me guide let us avoid these insinuations and aspersions as they will cause disorder. This matter can be ruled on objectively. I know this is an emotive subject so let us try to face it soberly as I ruled last week,” Matibini said.
Last the ECZ clarified that they had not yet picked a final company to print ballot papers although the preferred bidder from Dubai had been challenged leaving the process open.
However the matter was thrown back by Mpongwe Member of Parliament Gabriel Namulambe giving the biggest indication that the subject was far from conclusion.
Wina was also drawn in delicate waters when she was asked on the government position on the Barotse Agreement.
The move seemed to be a ploy by the opposition to dilute the recent visit to Western Province by President Edgar Lungu.
Despite Lukulu West Member of Parliament Misheck Mutelo having asked the question there was a further push by Monze Central Member of Parliament Jack Mwiimbu.
“The Barotse Agreement is not dead issue it requires consultation…although a promise was made it needs to be discussed, it needs to be interrogated,” she said.
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