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Acting Republican President Edgar Lungu says by-elections are inevitable because they are provided for in the current constitution.
In a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr Lungu said the current constitution provides that whenever there are expulsions, resignations, and deaths by Members of Parliament by-elections should be held.
“Section 67 of the current constitution provides that when a vacancy occurs in the seat of the National Assembly as a result of the death, expulsion or resignation by a Member of Parliament, a by-election shall be held within ninety days,” Mr Lungu explained .
The Acting President has since implored all Zambians and stakeholders involved in the constitution making process to excel by coming up with a constitution that will stand the test of time and not become a drain on national resources.
And Mr Lungu who is also Home Affairs Minister has refuted claims by opposition parties that by-elections are being induced by the Patriotic Front –PF government.
Mr Lungu condemned political parties blaming the PF government for the by-elections saying they should instead have themselves to blame and that they should put their parties in order.
He reiterated that speculations suggesting that the PF government is to blame for hosting by-elections in the country are not only misleading but also unfair because MPs are being compelled to resign from their parties due to intimidation and bullying within their parties.
The Acting President made the comment following the expulsion of Sinazongwe UPND Member of Parliament Richwell Siamunene from his political party.
Meanwhile, the Acting President has welcomed the move by Mopani Copper Mines –MCM to create about 3,000 jobs saying this is in line with the PF Manifesto.
Mr Lungu called on the labour movement and all stakeholders to collaborate with investors to ensure that Zambian was not the first casualty whenever investors faced challenges as a way of reducing their costs of production.
