DAILY PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES FOR THE FIRST SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH ASSEMBLY

Thursday, 6th October, 2011

The House met at 0900 hours

The Clerk read the Proclamation

ELECTION OF SPEAKER, DEPUTY SPEAKER AND CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES OF THE WHOLE HOUSE

The Clerk (Mrs D. K. K. Mwinga): Government of Zambia, Statutory Instrument No. 107 of 2011, Proclamation No. 2 of 2011, the Constitution of Zambia, Fist Session of the Eleventh Parliament, whereas it is provided by Article 88(7) of the Constitution that the First Session of Parliament after dissolution thereof shall be held within three months from the date of such dissolution and whereas it is provided by Article 88(1) of the Constitution that each Session of Parliament shall be held at such place within Zambia and shall commence at such time as the President may appoint and whereas it is expedient that Parliament should be summoned. Now, therefore, under and by virtue of the powers in me vested, I, Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia, do hereby proclaim and make known that the First Session of the Eleventh Parliament shall commence in Lusaka at 0900 hours on the 6th Day of October, 2011, given under my hand and the public seal of the Republic at Lusaka this 28th Day of September, 2011.

Signed: Michael Chilufya Sata, President.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

The Clerk: Hon. Members, let me preface my address to you this morning by congratulating you on behalf of the staff of the National Assembly of Zambia and, indeed, on my own behalf for your successful election to this august House during the Presidential and general elections held on 20th September, 2011.

In line with Standing Orders No. 22(1) of the House, I am satisfied that a quorum, that is one third of all the Members of the assembly except for the person presiding, is present. It is, therefore, my honour and privilege to call the House to Order.

Hon. Members, my principal duty is to preside over the election of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House. 

Hon. Members, before the House proceeds with the first business of the meeting of the new assembly which, according to Article 69(3), is the election to the office of Speaker, may I, please, explain, the procedure which has to be followed for the election of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of the Committees of the Whole House, in accordance with Articles 69 and 70 of the Constitution, CAP. 1 of the Laws of Zambia, and National Assembly Standing Orders numbers 4 and 5.

Legal Provisions for election of Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of the Committees of the Whole House, Article 69(1) of the Constitution of Zambia states:

“There shall be a Speaker of the National Assembly who shall be elected by the Members of the Assembly from among persons who are qualified to be elected as Members of the National Assembly, but are not Members of the Assembly.”

Articles 70(1) and 70(2) of the Constitution of Zambia state:
    
“(1)    There shall be a Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly who shall be elected by the Members of the Assembly from among Members of the Assembly.

(2)    The Members of the National Assembly shall elect a person to the Office of Deputy Speaker when the Assembly first sits after any dissolution of the National Assembly at the sitting of the Assembly after the Office becomes vacant.”

Related to the above constitutional provision, the provisions of Standing Order 4(1) and (2) state:

‘4(1)    The new Speaker shall be elected when the House first meets after any general election and before the House proceeds with the dispatch of any other business.

(2)    If the office of Speaker falls vacant at any time before the next dissolution of the National Assembly, no business shall be transacted by the House until the election of the new Speaker.”

In addition, Standing Order 5(1), (2) and (4) states:

“5(1)    The House shall, as soon as a quorum of the House is present, proceed to elect a Speaker and, until the Speaker is elected, the Clerk shall act as Presiding Officer.

(2)    When a quorum of the House is present, the Clerk shall direct for the division bells to be rung for four minutes. At the end of a further period of one minute, the Clerk shall direct the Bar to be closed and doors locked, and no Member shall, thereafter, enter or leave the Chamber until the elections of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House have taken place.

(3)    The Election of Speaker shall be by secret ballot.

(4)    The names of candidates for election to the office of Speaker shall be entered upon nomination papers obtained from and handed to the Clerk, at least, forty-eight hours before the time appointed at which the House is to meet to elect the Speaker and shall be accompanied in each case by the signature of two Members who support the candidate and a declaration by them that the candidate is willing to serve and, when the candidate is not a Member, is qualified to be elected under Article 69(1) of the Constitution of Zambia.”

Furthermore, Standing Order 5(14) and (15) states:

“(14)    After the election of the Speaker, the House shall proceed to elect a Deputy Speaker and a Deputy Chairperson of the Committees of the Whole House by secret ballot.

(15)    The process for electing the Speaker shall apply when electing the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of the Committees of the Whole House.”

In addition, hon. Members should note that Standing Order No. 5(12) provides that where only one candidate has been duly nominated, that candidate shall be declared forthwith to have been elected Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House without any ballot or vote being required.

Arrangements for the Elections

Election of Speaker

Hon. Members, the following arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the election of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House in accordance with the provisions quoted above.

(i)    Circular to Invite Nominations

On 1st October, 2011, I issued a circular to all hon. Members to invite nominations for candidates for the position of Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House in conformity with Standing Order 5(4). Furthermore, on 3rd October, 2011, I issued another circular to remind the hon. Members of the closing date for nominations for the three positions which was 4th October, 2011. I wish to confirm that, as Returning Officer, I have since received valid nominations for the three positions.

(ii)    Ballot Papers

Ballot Papers for use during the election of the position of Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House by secret ballot have been prepared.

(ii)    Ballot Boxes

Transparent Ballot Boxes have been acquired to support the voting by secret ballot. So, both the ballot papers and the ballot boxes are here with us.

(iii)    Returning Officer and Support Staff

In terms of National Assembly Standing Orders No. 5(1), I am the Presiding Officer as well as the Returning Officer for this election. I will be assisted by Polling Assistants drawn from senior staff of the National Assembly, namely, the Deputy Clerk of Procedure, the Deputy Clerk of Administration, the Principal Clerk of Journals and Legal Services, the Parliamentary Legal Counsel, the Principal Clerk of Research, Public and International Relations, and the Principal Clerk of Committees.

Hon. Members, the following are the valid nominations for the election of Speaker:

(1)    Dr Patrick Matibini, SC; and

(2)    Mr Richard Kapita.

With regard to the election of the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House, hon. Members are hereby informed that only one valid nomination was received for each of these two positions. 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Clerk: In accordance with the National Assembly Standing Order 5(12), it is stated that if only one candidate has been duly nominated that candidate shall be declared forthwith to have been elected as Deputy Speaker, or Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House without any ballot or vote being required.

However, due to the provisions of Article 69(3) which I earlier referred to and which states that:

“No business shall be transacted in the National Assembly other than an election to the officer Speaker, at any time when the office of Speaker is vacant,”

before I make declarations for the other two positions, we shall first proceed with the election of Speaker where there are two candidates for that position.

Voting Process

Before we go ahead with elections, the bells will ring for four minutes to enable hon. Members who are outside the Chamber to take their seats.

Hon. Members, the voting process will proceed as follows: 

(a)    The names of candidates who have successfully lodged nomination papers for the position of Speaker will be displayed and indicated on the ballot paper;

(b)    the ballot box will be opened, inspected, and sealed in full view of all hon. Members. Thereafter, the ballot box will be placed back in the position ready for voting;

(c)    during the voting, we will use the Division List, which is arranged in alphabetical order and we will be calling three hon. Members at any given time to come up and vote in the voting booths; and

(d)    at the end of the voting and in conformity with Standing Orders 5(8) and 5(10), I will count the votes cast for the candidates for the position of Speaker and will announce the winner accordingly.

Mr Mwiimbu (Monze): Madam Presiding Officer, I would like to raise a preliminary issue pertaining to the process of our voting which we are about to undertake this morning. As you may be aware that the candidates are not members of this House as of now and they will not be present during the election. In that light, I would like to suggest that the candidates be accorded the opportunity to have agents to witness the opening of the ballot boxes, the verifying ballots and witnessing the count.

Thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Clerk: I was going to announce all these after the ballot papers had been put in the ballot box. I was going to announce that two hon. Member, two persons, from each of the sponsoring parties stay with the officers to see to it that the ballot papers and the count are verified. I thought if I said it before, it would be a problem for the hon. Members to go and cast their vote as we are announcing the names in the order of the alphabet. So, if you just give me time, at the appropriate time, we will definitely announce for the agents to be upfront with the officers who are going to count the votes.

I will now proceed, hon. Members, to show you the ballot paper. My officers will give each Member a ballot paper as they come up to vote. We will be calling them in alphabetical order. Mark “X” against the person you want to be Speaker. Even the ballot paper itself says Mark “X”.

The bells were rung for four minutes from 0915 hours to 0919 hours.

The Members voted:

Dr Matibini         78

Mr Kapita        77

The Clerk: Hon. Members, as Presiding Officer, I will now start the declarations for the three positions of Presiding Officer and I will start with the Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House. 

Declaration relating to the election of Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House

I, Doris Katai Katebe Mwinga, Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, being the Returning Officer for the election of Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House of the National Assembly, do hereby declare that I have in accordance with the law and Standing Orders of the House ascertained that only one nomination for the election of Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House of the National Assembly has been received as follows:

Name of Candidate: Chifumu Kingdom Banda, SC. MP

In accordance with provisions of Standing Order No. 5(12) of the National Assembly, I hereby declare that Chifumu Kingdom Banda, SC. MP has been duly elected Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House of the National Assembly unopposed.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Declaration relating to the election of Deputy Speaker

The Clerk: I, Doris Katai Katebe Mwinga, Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, being the Returning Officer for the election of Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House of the National Assembly, do hereby declare that I have in accordance with the law and Standing Orders of the House ascertained that only one nomination for the election of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly has been received as follows:

Name of Candidate: Mkhondo Danwood Lungu, MP 

In accordance with provisions of Standing Order No. 5(12) of the National Assembly, I hereby declare that Mkhondo Danwood Lungu, MP, has been duly elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly unopposed. 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

The Clerk: Hon. Members, with regard to the election of Speaker, I, Doris Katai Katebe Mwinga, Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, being the Returning Officer for the election of Speaker of the National Assembly do hereby declare that I have in accordance with the law and the Standing Orders of the House ascertained the results of the poll in the election and that they are as follows:

Dr Patrick Matibini, SC    78

Mr Richard M. Kapita    77

I further declare that a total of nil ballot papers have been rejected and I declare that a total of nil ballot Papers have been disputed.

In accordance with the law and the Standing Orders of the House, I, therefore, declare that Dr Patrick Matibini, SC. has been duly elected as Speaker of the National Assembly.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

The Clerk: Order! I further direct that in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order No. 5(12) of the National Assembly, the proposer and seconder of Dr Matibini, SC. are directed to lead and conduct the Speaker-Elect to the Chair.

Mr Speaker was conducted to the Chair by Mr M. D. Lungu and Mr Mukanga .

Mr Speaker (standing on the upper step): I recognise the presence of His Honour the Vice-President, Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament. In accordance with the tradition, I rise to submit myself to the will of the House and, in doing so, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency the President, His Honour the Vice-President and all of you, hon. Members, on your election. I also wish to congratulate the nation at large on holding successful tripartite elections on 20th September, 2011.

Hon. Members, it is both a tremendous challenge and a great honour for me to be entrusted with the task of being the impartial guardian of the rights of everyone in this House. It is, therefore, with great humility that I submit myself to the will of the House.

I now suspend business for five minutes to enable me suitably dress.

Thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Business was suspended from 1037 hours until 1045 hours.{mospagebreak}

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker-Elect, Sir, or perhaps if you will allow me for just this once to call you Mr Speaker-only-just-elect by one vote, it is a miracle of democracy actually and shows that we all count. Every single one of us in this House counts because if one or two of us had not been here, the results might have been very different. So, I think let us take that as a lesson and I think another lesson that you are aware of is that there was a gentleman’s agreement not to oppose you, but it was broken, but God has seen to it that a single vote flew in like a dove and ensured that the agreement was honoured.

On behalf of the House, Sir, I have the honour and very great pleasure of congratulating you on having been elected Speaker of this House. Sir, we all have no doubt that you are the most suitable person for that seat.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: That seat is not only of great prestige and dignity but we are also sure that you will bring great distinction, integrity and warmth to your office and I think, Sir, if I may say so, given the progressive nature of the legislative programme of this Government in terms of human rights and the Constitution, you are particularly well suited to understand the issues at hand and to guide us with your wisdom through the debates and proceedings. 

I am convinced that in you, the National Assembly will have a custodian of the dignity and authority of the House who will regulate debates and enforce strict observance of the rules which govern orderly conduct in the House which are, of course, without prejudice and without fear or favour of any party, grouping or individual.

Sir, the Office of Speaker is an essential feature of a democratic Parliament. It is an important, ancient and honourable office deserving great respect. In the old days, of course, it was also quite dangerous but these days, we will protect you. As Head of the Legislature, you are the custodian of the rights and privileges of the Members of Parliament. Your allegiance is to the cause of Parliament’s liberty. You are neither a servant of the Executive nor the Judiciary nor, indeed, of any political party. Your first and only loyalty is to this House.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, the Chair in this House has immense powers, not only the power to preside, the power to make rulings on procedures in the House as well as on important national issues and the power to call on Members to speak, but above all the power to influence the order of Business in the House. These powers are vested in you by the Constitution of Zambia, the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act and the Standing Orders of the House. I am confident that you are richly endowed with qualities that will enable you perform your duties to expected standards.

Sir, as a custodian of the dignity and privileges of the House, the functions of your office are the same as those of a leader of any organisation; that is to uphold and preserve the integrity of the organisation and to uphold its rules and objectives. I am confident that the role of the House as a national legislature, with the powers to preserve the rights of individuals, will be upheld by you as its Speaker.

With the disciplinary powers conferred upon you by the Constitution of Zambia, the National Assembly (Powers and Privileges) Act, and the National Assembly Standing Orders, I am positive that you will treat all hon. Members, elected and nominated, from both the opposition and ruling parties equally and that you will ensure that all hon. Members enjoy the same rights, privileges and immunities and have the same opportunities.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: Before I conclude, Sir, let me say, just to avoid any doubt given the events of some certain events of last night, that this PF Government is not going to form a Government of national unity along Kenyan lines or any other lines. We are going to govern along our own lines with the mandate that we have been given by the voters of Zambia.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: If anyone wishes to obstruct us purely for the sake of obstructing us, then their voters will see what they are doing.

In conclusion, Sir, I wish to state that I have no doubt that guided by the powers that are vested in you by the Constitution of Zambia and the Standing Orders, you will, without fear or favour, make fair rulings on all important national issues that will be raised in this House.

May I also congratulate Hon. Mkhondo Danwood Lungu, Member of Parliament for Lundazi on being elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker of this House as he had nominated you, Sir, to be Speaker. What I have said about you as Speaker equally applies to the Office of the Deputy Speaker. Similarly, I also wish to congratulate Hon. Chifumu Kingdom Banda, SC. Member of Parliament for Chasefu, on similarly being elected unopposed to be Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House. 

I wish you, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, and all hon. Members here and, indeed, on my own behalf, Mr Speaker-elect and your Deputy, the Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House, God’s blessings in your challenging positions.

I thank you, Sir.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

PRESENTATION OF SPEAKER TO THE PRESIDENT

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that the presentation of the Speaker-elect to His Excellency the President for approbation and subscribing and taking the Oath of Allegiance at State House will take place at 1100 hours this morning.

The following hon. Members shall form the entourage and are expected to arrive there at 1045 hours: His Honour the Vice-President and Leader of the Government Business in the House, Hon. Mr Deputy Speaker, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House, Hon. Chief Whip, Hon. Minister of Justice, Hon. Minister of Defence, Hon. Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Tourism, the Clerks-at-the-Table, and the Sergeant-at-Arms. The rest of the hon. Members will remain seated in the House until the entourage returns from State House. In the meantime, hon. Members are invited to a tea/coffee break.

Thank you all.

Business was suspended from 1051 hours until 1130 hours.

[MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, I have to report to the House that I have presented myself to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia for approbation. I have also represented the House by asking the President to make himself accessible to all hon. Members of the House, and I am glad to inform you that the President has acceded to my representation.

Thank you.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members will take the Oath of Allegiance in the House. The Hon. Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House and myself have already taken Oath of Allegiance at State House this morning. Therefore, in accordance with the practice, we shall start this process with His Honour the Vice-President who shall be followed thereafter by all hon. Members in alphabetical order.

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE

The following Members took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance:

Mr A. Antonio
Mr C. K. Banda, SC.
Mrs E. M. Banda
Mr I. Banda
Mr N. Banda
Mr W. Banda
Mr E. Belemu
Mr C. Bwalya
Mr L. Chabala
Colonel G. Chanda
Mr H. Chansa
Mr E. Chenda
Dr P. Chikusu
Mr N. Chilangwa
Mr A. B. Chikwanda
Mr D. Chingimbu
Mr K. Chipungu
Mr O. C. Chisala
Mr S. Chisanga
Mr J. Chishiba
Mr M. Chishimba
Mr R. Chitotela
Brigadier-General Dr B. Chituwo
Mr S. Chungu
Mr. M. Habeenzu
Mr H. H. Hamududu
Mr K. Hamudulu
Mr B. Hamusonde
Mr M. Imenda
Mr E. Kabanshi
Mr C. W. Kakoma
Mr C. Kambwili
Mr L. Kaingu
Mr H. Kalaba
Dr. C. Kalila
Ms V. Kalima
Ms J. Kapata
Brigadier-General B. Kapaya
Mr J. Kapyanga
Mr S. Kapayongo
Mr M. Kapeya
Mr M. Katambo
Dr J. Katema
Ms A. Kansembe
Dr. J. Kasonde
Mr L. Katombora
Mr S. Katuka
Colonel P. Kaunda
Mrs B. K. Kawandami
Mr L. Kazabu
Dr E. Kazonga
Ms D. Kazunga
Mr K. Kong
Mr P. Kosamu
Mr J. Kufuna
Kunda, Sc., G
Ms M. J. Limata
Mr G. Lubinda
Mr M. Lubezhi
Mr A. Lufuma
Professor L. Lungwangwa
Mr E. C. Lungu
Mr E. Lungu
Colonel J. Lungu
Mr M. D. Lungu
Professor N. Luo
Mr D. Livune
Mr D. Mabumba
Mr M. Malama
Mr M. H. Malama
Mr C. Matafwali
Mr S. Masumba
Mrs C. Mazoka
Mr A. Mbewe
Mr M. Mbulakulima
Mr R. Mbulu
Mr S. Mbuzi
Mr A. Milambo
Mr C. Miyanda
Mr C. Miyutu
Mr G. Monde
Mr V. Mooya
Mr N. Mubukwanu
Mr P. Mucheleka
Mr E. Muchima
Mr D. Mumba
Mr M. Mumba
Mr Y. D. Mukanga
Mr K. Mukata
Mr C. Mulenga
Mr L. Mulusa
Mr R. L. Mpundu
Mr S. Mushanga
Ms A. Munshya
Dr S. Musokotwane
Mr R. Musukwa
Mr B. Mutale
Mr M. Mutale
Mr F. C. Mutati
Mr R. Muntanga
Mr M. Muteteka
Mr M. Muteto
Mr G. B. Mwamba
Mr D. Mwango
Dr A. Mwali
Mr O. Mwaliteta
Mr M. B. Mwale
Mr V. Mwale
Mr C. Mweetwa
Mr L. M. Mwenya
Mr R. Mwewa
Mr D. Mwila
Mr J. J.  Mwiimbu
Mr M. Ndalamei
Mr G. Nkombo
Mr L. Ngoma
Mr P. Ngoma
Mr M. Ngonga
Mr P. Njeulu
Ms C. Namugala
Mr G. Namulambe
Mr B. M. M. Ntundu,
Mr K. J. Pande
Dr. J. T. N. Phiri
Mr R. Phiri
Mr D. B. Phiri
Mr K. Sakeni
Mr S. Sampa
Ms S. Sayifwanda
Dr G. L. Scott
Mr F. Shamenda
Lieutenant-General R. Shikapwasha 
Mr R. Siamunene
Mr S. Sianga
Mr R. Sichinga
Mr M. Sichone
Mr F. Sikazwe
Mr H. Sililo
Ms D. Siliya
Dr. N. Simbyakula
Mr K. N. Simbao
Mr M. Simfukwe
Mr W. Simuusa
E. M. Sing’ombe
Mr R. Taima
Mr R. Taundi
Mr F. R. Tembo
Professor N. Willombe
Mrs I. Wina
Mr C. Yaluma
Mr L. Zimba
Mr C. Zulu
Mr S. S. Zulu{mospagebreak}

AFFIRMATION OF ALLEGIANCE

The following Member made and subscribed the Affirmation of Allegiance:

Mr L. Mufalali

Mr Speaker: Hon. Members, before his Honour the Vice-President moves the Motion of Adjournment of the House, I wish to remind the House that the Orientation Programme will conclude tomorrow, 7th October, 2011. It is now my pleasure to invite His Honour the Vice-President.

The Vice-President: Mr Speaker, I beg to move that at its rising today, the House do adjourn until Friday, 14th October, 2011 when, at 1000 hours, His Excellency the President will address us.

The first time I was elected was in 1991. The majority that the MMD had was 100 votes. The United National Independence Party (UNIP) sat in that corner where the United Party for National Development (UPND) is sitting now. There were twenty-five of them and every single other seat was an MMD one and the character of the House was such that all sorts of indiscipline could be tolerated. There was failure to attend sittings, back stabbing plots and Machiavellian goings on within the MMD because the majority was so large that we became, I think, really quite lazy and careless. What has been very clear to me from today’s experience is that with these tight or close numbers between the three different parties is that unless all of us observe considerable discipline and care, we will suffer at each other’s hands. So, I think this is not a bad thing for democracy. It means we are much more well balanced and need to be much more responsible. 

Mr Speaker, I do not know whether your eyes have grown accustomed yet to this House, but when they do, you will observe that there is a river flowing down the middle of this Chamber, the River Jordan. On one side, there is milk and honey while on the other side there is locust - one a day - if you are lucky.

Laughter

The Vice-President: But with the mysterious processes of multi-party democracy, you may wake up one morning and find that where you were sitting in the desert, you are now in paradise, and where you were sitting in paradise, you are now in the desert. This country is the envy of Africa for the peacefulness of the transitions that occur between one party-State and multi-party State and between political parties as we proceed with minimum violence and trouble. I do not even have to give names. Any of you can give me ten or twenty names, if you are knowledgeable, of countries in Africa where this kind of transition we have had just does not take place and cannot take place and I think we should congratulate ourselves on being the envy of Africa in respect of multi-party democracy.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

The Vice-President: I think the fact that we can bring about this peaceful change is what we must treasure mostly in this country and I would remind, especially my own hon. Members on this side, that one day we will be back in the desert.

Laughter

The Vice-President: One day, it will come. We will lose our contact with the people who put us in this House. We will confuse and delude ourselves and will go for slimming exercises on that side of the Chamber and reawakening exercises so that we become serious. That is a multi-party democracy and I think we should all recognise that and I think today was a good lesson.

Let me thank the House for going through this successful orientation session that took place yesterday and the day before and will be concluded tomorrow at 1300 hours if I am not mistaken. We will start at 0900 hours. The orientation which began on Tuesday, 4th October, 2011 will end tomorrow Friday, 7th October, 2011 and then it will be time for us to take a short or one week break to start familiarising ourselves, especially if we are new Members, with some of the documents that have been given to us. We need to understand the Standing Orders and I would urge all hon. Members of Parliament to make use of this break to study the Republican Constitution, the Standing Orders, Members’ Hand Book and all other documents and become acquainted with the rules and regulations of the House.

The House will be expected, before the end of festive season this year, to consider some important business but, at this point, it will probably be impossible to say exactly what the business is since we have just taken over but, of course, they would include the Vote of Thanks on the President’s Speech which is a cross country debate and also we would expect the Budget debate. 

This is a very straightforward Motion. Let me, once again, congratulate you on your election and those of your Deputy and Deputy Chairperson of Committees of the Whole House and may all the days that we will have be as enjoyable as this one.

Mr Speaker, I beg to move.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

_________

MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

The Vice-President (Dr Scott): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

___________

The House adjourned at 1534 hours until 1000 hours on Friday, 14th October, 2011.