The Inter–Parliamentary Union (IPU) Zambia National Group had its first Annual General Meeting, today, Tuesday, 8th November, 2016, at Parliament Buildings, Lusaka, at 10:00 hours.
The Rt Hon Justice, Dr. Patrick Matibini, SC, MCIArb, MP explained that the Executive Committee comprised of two Ex-Officio Members in accordance with the Rules of the National group being the President, who is the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Honorary/Treasurer who is the Clerk of National Assembly. These two are permanent officers of the Group and are not subject to election. He further said Members of the Executive Committee, included; the First Vice President; the Second Vice President; and five Ordinary Members.
The Speaker additionally said that the IPU was the focal point for worldwide parliamentary dialogue and worked for peace and cooperating peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy
The Speaker encouraged the Honourable Member of Parliaments to elect an executive committee with a balanced political and gender representation.
The nominations for the IPU Executive Committee were as follows:
1. Vice President I    Mr Rodgers Mwewa, MP;
2. Vice President  II   Mr Kalawe Mukosa, MP;
Mr Misheck Mutelo, MP;
3. Executive  Member I   Mr Alexander Chiteme, MP;
4. Executive Member II   Mrs Rosaria C Fundanga, MP;
5. Executive Member III  Mrs Pilila G Mwanza Jere, MP;
6. Executive Member IV  Mr Pavyuma Kalobo, MP;
7. Executive Member V  Mr Maxwell M Kabanda, MP; and
Mr Ambrose L Lufuma, MP

The Honorary Secretary/Treasurer who was the returning officer declared Hon Rodgers Mwewa, MP Vice President I, who was unopposed, Hon Kalawe Mukosa, MP, Vice President II, who won by 60 votes out of 107 votes cast, Mr Alexander Chiteme, MP, Executive Member I, who as well was unopposed, Mrs Rosaria C Fundanga, MP, Executive Member II, who was unopposed, Mrs Pilila G Mwanza Jere, MP, Executive Member III, who was unopposed, Mr Pavyuma Kalobo, MP, Executive Member IV, who was unopposed and Mr Maxwell M Kabanda, MP, Executive Member V, who won by 62 Votes out of 107 votes cast.
The newly elected Members will serve in the Executive Committee for a period of two and a half years.
IPU is a parliamentary body that supports the efforts of and works in close co-operation with the United Nations, whose objectives it shares. The Union also co-operates with regional inter-parliamentary organisations, as well as with international intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations which are motivated by the same ideals.
IPU currently has 170 Members and 11 Associate Members. Zambia is among the 170 members hence, the IPU Zambia National Group.