Affirmative Repositioning leader Job Amupanda is set to challenge the National Assembly over alleged constitutional violations, raising five questions concerning legislative powers, private members’ bills and parliamentary accountability.
In a motion tabled on Wednesday in the assembly, Amupanda questions why the National Assembly has no dedicated legislation committee and why no legislation originating from the House has been passed and brought into operation in 36 years.
The motion also challenges restrictions on private members’ bills, questioning why an unelected official must authorise members of parliament to exercise their constitutional rights.
It further raises concerns over the absence of laws and directives governing the appointment of the secretary of the National Assembly, the attorney general’s representation of parliament, and the alleged failure to table local authority bylaws and regulations as required by the Constitution.
“These issues point to constitutional shortcomings and call on the assembly to address the questions and take remedial steps to ensure compliance with the Constitution,” he says.
