A NEW-LOOK, expanded Parliament officially burst into life as the second batch of newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) took their solemn oaths of office yesterday.
This set a vibrant, optimistic tone for the 14th Session of the National Assembly.
The Parliament Buildings in Lusaka were a kaleidoscope of colour, style, and high emotion as the lawmakers, accompanied by ecstatic family members and friends, filed into the chambers in immaculate outfits.
The grand political showcase, which began on Monday with over 100 lawmakers being sworn in, reached a historic crescendo as the final cohort of legislators formally assumed their roles as true servants of the people.
The atmosphere inside the legislative house was nothing short of electric. The traditional solemnity of the event was beautifully contrasted by a jovial, celebratory mood as lawmakers representing the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), the opposition National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Progress (NRPUP), the Resolute Party (RP), and independent candidates took turns to take their oath.
The initial proceedings on Monday, were led by Republican Vice-President W.K. Mutale-Nalumango, who was the very first to take her oath before Speaker Nelly Mutti, setting a profound example of leadership and national duty.
“The occasion is one of deep humility and profound responsibility, as the oath represents a solemn commitment to serve the people of Zambia with integrity, discipline and dedication,” Vice-president Mutale-Nalumango later wrote in an official post on her Facebook page on Monday.
Presiding over the historic transition, Speaker Nelly Mutti congratulated the new lawmakers and urged them to maintain the highest legislative standards.
“I therefore wish you well honourable members as you carry out Constitutional functions as members of parliament,” Ms Mutti said, noting that the official date for the opening of the 14th National Assembly would be announced in due course.
