“Legislators” Conduct Annoys HRDC

HRDC leadership HRDC leadership

The HUMAN Rights Defenders Coalition HRDC say they are dismayed with what transpired in parliament on Tuesday, when Parliamentary proceedings were abnormally adjourned due to what was said a security threat as a result of the Presence of the coalition’s leadership in the August House.

On Tuesday, HRDC Chairperson Timothy Mtambo and his Vice Gift Trapence appeared in the August House and took seats in the Public Gallery, a move which did not please some legislators.

Deputy leader of the House Martha Lunji told the Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara to call off the deliberations and the Speaker was forced to do so due to the disruption.

Describing the conduct by the parliamentarians as Childish, HRDC Chairperson Timothy Mtambo has told Zodiak Online the conduct is a clear indication that some parliamentarians do not understand democratic principles. “some of these legislators do not understand democracy and these parliamentarians should be happy and proud when they see citizens going to parliament because this is an opportunity for them to get first-hand information on how they are performing,” he said.

He further described the conduct as an infringement to democratic principles. “We still have a long way to go, and I have hope that we shall overcome and see our democracy mature therefore we would like to send this strong message that we would like to strengthen our democracy and we are doing it this year,” Mtambo added.

Chancellor College Political Expert Professor Mustafa Hussein said the reasons for adjourning the session were invalid.

“It is surprising, people are allowed to attend deliberations as long as they are seated in the right places,” he said.

The proceedings were disrupted at a time the legislators were to table electoral reforms bills.

The HRDC warned of having vigils at the national assembly, should the legislators fail to pass the electoral reforms bill as ordered by the Constitutional Court on 3rd February 2020.

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Last modified on Friday, 21/02/2020

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