Constitution of Zambia (Amendment)
[No. 2 of 2016
71
(3) The members of the House of Chiefs shall annually elect a
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the House of Chiefs, from
amongst themselves.
(4) Notwithstanding clause (3), the assumption of office as
Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the House of Chiefs shall
rotate annually amongst the chiefs from each province.
(5) The functions of the House of Chiefs are to —
(a) consider and discuss a Bill relating to custom or tradition
referred to it by the President, before the Bill is
introduced into the National Assembly;
(b) initiate, discuss and make recommendations to the National
Assembly regarding socio-economic development in the
Province;
(c) initiate, discuss and decide on matters relating to customary
law and practice;
(d) initiate, discuss and make recommendations to a local
authority regarding the welfare of communities in a local
authority;
(e) make proposals on areas in customary law that require
codification;
(f)
advise the Government on traditional and customary
matters; and
(g) perform other functions as prescribed.
170. (1) A Member of the House of Chiefs—
(a) shall hold office for a term of five years and is eligible for
election for a further term of five years; and
(b) may resign by one month’s notice, in writing, to the
Chairperson.
(2) The office of a member of the House of Chiefs becomes
vacant if the Chief—
(a) dies;
(b) ceases to be a chief;
(c) resigns;
Tenure of
office and
vacancy