Constitution of Zambia (Amendment)
[No. 2 of 2016 33
83. (1) A Member of Parliament, supported by at least onethird of the Members of Parliament, may move a motion for the
removal of the Speaker or a Deputy Speaker, alleging that the
Speaker or Deputy Speaker has—
(a) violated this Constitution;
(b) a mental or physical disability that makes the Speaker or
Deputy Speaker incapable of performing the functions
of the office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker; or
(c) committed gross misconduct.
(2)
The motion shall specify the particulars of the allegation.
(3) Where a motion is supported by a resolution of two-thirds
of the Members of Parliament, the Speaker or Deputy Speaker
shall be suspended from office and the National Assembly shall
refer the matter to a parliamentary committee.
(4) The parliamentary committee, to which the matter has been
referred in accordance with clause (3), shall, within seven days of
the reference—
(a) investigate the matter, and the Speaker or Deputy Speaker
has the right to appear, be heard and be represented
before the parliamentary committee; and
(b) report to the National Assembly whether or not the
particulars of the allegations specified in the motion have
been substantiated.
(5) Where the parliamentary committee reports that the
particulars of the allegation against the Speaker or Deputy
Speaker—
(a) are not substantiated, the National Assembly shall, on a
motion supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds
of the Members of Parliament, taken by secret ballot,
resolve that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker—
(i)
did not commit the violations specified in the
motion; and
(ii) be reinstated; or
(b) are substantiated, the National Assembly shall, on a motion
supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of the
Members of Parliament, taken by secret ballot, resolve
that the Speaker or Deputy Speaker has committed the
violations specified in the motion and that the Speaker
or Deputy Speaker cease to hold office forthwith.
Removal of
Speaker on
specified
grounds