22/11/2025
CHABINGA IS ACTING WITHIN HIS POWERS AS LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION AND ACTING PF PRESIDENT
Let's first understand who the Leader of the Opposition is, then we can conclude whether Chabinga is being sponsored by the UPND to weaken PF or not. We will equally, understand why Chabinga is given more audience by the government than any other opposition leader.
According to the Laws of Zambia, as provided for under Article 74 (2), the Leader of the Opposition is a Member of Parliament who is elected to lead the Opposition Political Party with the largest number of seats in the House (Parliament).
PF remains the largest opposition political party with many seats in Parliament, hence entitled to elect Leader of the opposition.
Actually, Brian Mundubile, now a back bencher; was the Leader of the Opposition, till Miles Sampa in 2023 when he became PF party president, appointed Chabinga to take up the role.
By law, when the leader of the opposition is elected, the party has to notify the Speaker of the National Assembly in writing, so that the changes may come into effect. That process took place after Chabinga was appointed.
But, later Miles Sampa fired Morgan Ng,ona, the PF's party SG, Mafinga MP (Robert Chabinga) and Kanchibiya MP (Sunday Chanda). He then appointed Raphael Nakachinda as the new SG of the faction and replaced Chabinga with Brenda Nyirenda, to take up the position of the Leader of the Opposition. The idea was to pave way for ECL to take over as PF party president after they had reconciled with Sampa. Unfortunately, after writing to the Speaker of the National Assembly: the Speaker, dismissed the changes. Sampa's faction divided. Morgan Ng'ona, then expelled Sampa from PF and appointed Chabinga as PF's party president, in an interim capacity. Drama.
Anyway, Chabinga is currently the PF legal acting president and an active Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.
You may wish to know the roles of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament.
According to the National Assembly of Zambia, the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the House (Parliament ) is to question the Government on its actions and policies, and help keep it accountable. He/she frequently opposes the positions of the Government and proposes alternatives. The Leader of the Opposition is a member of both the Standing Orders Committee and the House Business Committee.In the performance of their duties, the Leader of the Opposition in the House regularly meets with MPs from their Party to decide on strategies, and to confirm their position on a particular issue.
As the main spokesperson for the opposition in the House, he/she is usually given priority to debate or ask questions in the House. The Leader of the Opposition also assists the presiding officers (the Honourable Speaker and Deputy Speakers) to maintain discipline in the House.
Do you know the benefits the Leader of the Opposition receives? In this case, I mean Chabinga.
Firstly, Leader of the Opposition is accorded the status of a Minister, which includes equivalent salary and entitlements, such as vehicles. Chabinga is paid more than any other private Member of Parliament. If you look at the The Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Emoluments Act chapter 262; the Vice President's salary is the highest. Followed by the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Cabinet Ministers and the Leader ofthe Opposition gets the same salary, Deputy Ministers follows, then Private Members of Parliament are the least paid.
Another benefit is that a Leader of the opposition is accorded a seat in the front row of the National Assembly chamber, physically opposite the government's front bench. In other words, he/she acts as a shadow Prime Minister.
The PF having the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, makes them the real rivals of the UPND. But, unfortunately, when the Leader of the Opposition becomes compromised, the results does not only affect the party, but also policy direction, development and democracy.
Anyway, is Chabinga being sponsored by the UPND?
Looking at the benefits presented by the office of the Leader of the Opposition, don't you think that Chabinga is just being selfish? If Chabinga doesn't stop the PF convention as the acting party president, do you think he would continue enjoying the privileges he's currently receiving? Do you think PF would have a presidential candidate on the ballot come 2026 if a parallel convention is held?
By the way, after Sata's death; Miles Sampa tried holding a parallel convention in 2014 to that of ECL and Inonge Wina, but Miles Sampa's convention was later rubbished by the court, declaring ECL the legitimate presidential candidate for the 2015 elections.
Let me read your opinions 👇
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