The Constitutional Court and authorities have been called upon to clarify if ministers will remain in office when parliament is dissolved this week.
Young African Leaders Initiative YALI Governance Advisor, Isaac Mwanza says that the debate should be put to rest because parliament stands dissolved in accordance of Article 81 of the Constitution of Zambia.
In a statement to Breeze News, Mr Mwanza wants the matter sorted out because while Article 116 clause 3 (e) states that the office of Minister becomes vacant if another person assumes the office of President, the Constitution is very clear and unambiguous that Ministers are appointed from among the Members of Parliament.
He says that YALI is wondering how Ministers would remain in office when the office, which is the basis of which they became ministers, is dissolved.
Mr Mwanza says that the Attorney General and Minister of Justice should clarify how, under article 111 clause 4 (c), the office of Vice-President becomes vacant if the Vice President ceases to hold office by virtue of dissolution of Parliament under Article 81.
He says that if the Vice President’s office becomes vacant by virtue of Article 81 which provides for dissolution of Parliament, why should ministers not be affected by the same article.