Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House -
(1) notes that the Zambian presidential election of 2015 was held on 20 January, following the death of the previous incumbent, President Michael Sutta;
(2) further notes that the ruling party's candidate, Edgar Lungu, won by a narrow majority of 48,3% of the votes, as compared to 46,7% of the votes for his closest rival, Hakainde Hichilema from the United Party for National Development;
(3) recalls that President Lungu will serve the remainder of the five-year term left by President Sutta, until the next general election in September 2016; and
(4) congratulates him on his election and commends the people of the Republic of Zambia for a peaceful and successful presidential election and for their steady steering of the country of Zambia following the tragic passing of President Sutta in November 2014.
Agreed to.
Order! Hon member, why are you rising?
I am rising on a point of clarity and perhaps of order as well: Yesterday, the EFF rose to make the same observations about Zambia and to convey congratulations to the newly elected leadership of Zambia. Are we to repeat the same thing here, time and again?
Do you want clarity, hon member?
Yes. Is it allowed to simply repeat the same motions?
All Members of Parliament can rise on any issue they wish.
So, can we repeat motions, as well? [Interjections.]
Take your seat, hon member. That is not a point of order.
So we are allowed to repeat ... [Interjections.] Can I get clarity on this, please? [Interjections.]
Order! Hon member, members can raise issues from whatever angle they wish to rise on, on any matter. [Interjections.]
All right, that's fine. At least they are drawing inspiration from somewhere. [Interjections.]
Hon Deputy Speaker, on a point of plagiarism ... [Interjections.] [Laughter.]
Order! Take your seat, hon member. What are you studying, hon Chief Whip of the Opposition?
Hon Deputy Speaker, it is Rule 95.
Yes?
The guidelines state that a motion may not be moved that is the same, in substance, as one that has been passed, rejected or accepted within the same session. So, perhaps you could take that into consideration when you give us your guidance, Deputy Speaker.
I will. I will give guidance on that: "The same, in substance". That is the distinction, sir. Yes, so... [Interjections.]
Then, hon Deputy Speaker ...
No! Don't ... [Interjections.] ... No! No! Hon member, take your seat! I have not asked you to speak.
But we want to object to the motion ... [Interjections.]
No! No, sit down, hon member.
... and record the objection, even though ...
No, it is not recorded. Sit down, hon member! [Interjections.] You have not been recognised to speak. Sit down! You only speak when you are asked to speak. Please, just respect the basic requirements and decency of the ...
Deputy Speaker, may I be recognised? [Interjections.]
HON MEMBERS: No!
Order! What are you rising on?
I am objecting to that motion, Deputy Speaker.
It's gone, hon member. [Interjections.] [Laughter.] Hon member, please take your seat. What are you rising on, hon member?
I have not risen yet!
Order! What are you rising on, hon member?
Hon Deputy Speaker, on a point of order: We were still seeking clarity and direction from you on the following: Is it possible for a motion that is the same, in terms of substance, to be repeated by another party the next day? We were doing that ...
If ...
Can I finish, hon Deputy Speaker? We were doing that because we wanted to object to that motion and we think it would be safe that we don't set the wrong precedent of coming and repeating each other. That motion must be withdrawn because the EFF objects to it. [Interjections.] It is the same. It is plagiarism. [Interjections.]
Order! Please proceed, hon Filtane.
Deputy Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the UDM ... [Interjections.]
On a point of order, Deputy Speaker!
Proceed, hon Chief Whip.
I had raised my hand before he started speaking.
Wragtig? Ag nee, man! [Really? Oh no, man! [Laughter.]
Hon member, take your seat! Okay, just hold on, hon member.
Hayi bo! [No, man!]
Are you rising on a point of order? [Interjections.] What is your point of order?
Sekela Somlomo, thina asiphakami sithethe siqale siphakamise isandla ukuze sikwazi ukuphakanyiswa sithethe. [Deputy Speaker, we do not just stand up and speak. We first raise a hand so that we are allowed to speak.]
I was recognised! [Interjections.] No, I was recognised.
I was not objecting ... [Interjections.]
No, I was recognised before this nice discussion.
No, hon members, please ... [Interjections.]
I was, indeed. Maybe your mind was elsewhere, sir. I'm sorry, but I suspect so, honestly.
Can I help you, chief?
No, you are wrong. I don't need your help.
No, hon members!
No, the Chair is there to regulate ... [Interjections.] No, no, no!
Mine is a point of order!
Hayi! andikaqali nokuthetha andinguye uMongameli, akunalo igunya lokunika imiyalelo apha. [No, I have not even started delivering my speech yet! I am not the President, you have no authority to give instructions here.]
Hon members, hon Chief Whip, please take your seat.
Uya kutsho kuMongameli. Enkosi. [You say that to the President. Thank you.]
Order! Hon members, can you please ... [Interjections.] It is not proper for you to just rise and speak when you want to. It is also improper that we continue to debate this thing. It is not worth debating. [Interjections.] Proceed, hon Chief Whip.
Hon Deputy Speaker, we rise to withdraw the motion. They are right, and I think we should respect that. [Applause.]
Thank you. Proceed, hon member.