Ministers to remain in office after parliament dissolution: Zambian president

Zambia's President Edgar Lungu has said that ministers will continue working after the dissolution of parliament scheduled on Wednesday.

Lungu told reporters at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport before departure for Uganda to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Yoweri Museveni that the current constitution allows ministers to remain in office after the dissolution of parliament.

A heated debate has emerged over the status of ministers after the parliament dissolution following the amendment of the country's constitution.

The government has insisted that the amended constitution allows ministers to continue serving after the dissolution of parliament, but stakeholders have argued that since ministers are appointed from parliament they cease their government duties when the parliament is dissolved.

The president however said the Constitutional Court will make a final interpretation of the law after some stakeholders filed a law suit seeking its interpretation.

He added that in spite of the law being clear on the matter, he will abide with whatever decision the court will determine on the status of ministers.

Lungu said the current cabinet will remain in office until after the court's interpretation of the law.

But Geoffrey Mwamba, vice-president of the main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND), has appealed to supporters and members of the general public to impound any vehicle that will be found with any minister after the dissolution of parliament.

He told supporters that they will be no ministers after the dissolution of parliament and those who will be found using government vehicles should be arrested. Endit