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{
    "id": 1215469,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1215469/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 278,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Cherarkey",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13217,
        "legal_name": "Cherarkey K Samson",
        "slug": "cherarkey-k-samson"
    },
    "content": "contentious issue, including the issue of the revenue formula. However, the House did not degenerate up to the level of the Speaker reprimanding the House. That issue was more emotive because we were discussing revenue. I am not saying that on this issue of Minority leadership we should have a bipartisan approach because it is the decision of the Minority side and is within their purview. However, we ended up agreeing on the issue of the revenue formula, which was very contentious then. I know that most of the colleagues who had not joined us then were also following those deliberations. Therefore, I appeal to the Minority side not to force you to communicate about their change of leadership. In conclusion, on the supremacy of the Constitution, as the Speaker, you have a right to protect the Constitution. You are not a conveyor belt. The fact that the Minority or the Majority side wants to change something that is unconstitutional or legal, you cannot be just a conveyor belt, where you just read a communication simply because the Standing Orders say, ‘the Speaker shall not--- You have an obligation to protect our Constitution and build a precedent and traditions of the Parliament. I would hate to go the same path that the Majority side then, under the Jubilee Party, changed the House Leadership. We do not want to set that precedent where the Speaker at that time, Gov. Lusaka, came and read the names. He did not give a ruling until he left. We cannot go through the same path. Let us enrich this process, so that people who are purporting to change leadership, be it Minority or Majority side, are aware that they cannot bring their name to the Senate and change them the way they change their clothes. It does not happen like that. There must be a process. I appeal to you. Do not be intimidated, blackmailed or forced. We elected you as our Speaker. You must stand with the rule and fidelity of the law. The Minority side should be patient enough and allow you to draft your communication. You are a man who is a seasoned lawyer. I know you might be on page 20, in your dispense of wisdom in this matter of the Minority side."
}