UPND MPs should blame themselves – Dr Ng’oma

Political analyst Alex Ng’oma says the suspension of 48 UPND Members of Parliament by the Speaker should send a message to all parliamentarians that that there are consequences for un-parliamentary conduct.

Dr Ng’oma has since backed the Speaker’s decision to suspend the UPND members of parliament.

He says the actions of the UPND Members of Parliament left the Speaker with no option, but take a drastic move against them.

Dr. Ng’oma says it is unfortunate that the ruling Patriotic Front will during the period of the suspension of the UPND lawmakers dominate Parliament and make all decisions.

He states that the UPND Members of Parliament are to blame for this situation.

Dr. Ngoma adds that it is also worth noting that the UPND parliamentarians have been suspended not because of their party inclination, but because they exhibited partisan politics and behavior in parliament by boycotting the presidential address to the house.

Meanwhile the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has described the suspension of the UPND MPs as a drawback to poverty reduction efforts.

CSPR’s Executive Director Patrick Nshindano says the absence of the opposition lawmakers from the house will undermine poverty reduction efforts in the country.

He says this is considering that the current Parliamentary session is very important, as it highlights the planning and budgeting bill as well as the revision of the public finance Act which are critical.