By Eric Mhunduru

Parliamentary chief whips have agreed with the Speaker of Parliament to discipline members of parliament for boycotting Monday and Tuesday’s sitting.

The absenteeism forced finance minister of finance Ipumbu Shiimi to cancel the mid-term budget review presentation.

LPM chief whip Utaara Mootu said this was cheap politics and embarrassing to the electorate.

“So, the lack of quorum has really led to concerns, not only just from the members of Parliament themselves, but the general public. What is happening, and what is the cause and how can we solve it, especially pertaining to the role of chief whips and the disciplinary system that is within Parliament,” remarked Mootu. 

Mootu said they are aware that it is election season. However, this does not excuse MPs from absconding from Parliament because it is the second arm of government, and it should be treated with utmost respect, especially with the important bills such as the appropriation bill, and the midterm budget that require the seconding of Parliament to ensure that government continues with making important financial decisions for expenditures and operations.

She stated that MPs who absconded the sessions have somewhat disrespected their oath.

“Again, this just shows that the same enthusiasm that they started with is not the same enthusiasm that certain members of Parliament are ending with.And we saw this absenteeism actually increase immediately after the National Assembly went on recess,” said Mootu.

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