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{
    "id": 952609,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/952609/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 42,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Lusaka",
    "speaker_title": "The Speaker",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Senators, so as to cure this procedural and legal lacuna, the Senate passed the Determination of the Nature of Bills (Procedure) Bill (Senate Bills No.30 of 2018), which provides for a certificate of concurrence, where the Speakers and Clerks of both Houses certify that the Bill is a true copy of the version passed by either House or that the Speakers concurred where it is a Bill that does not concern county governments. The Bill is now pending in the National Assembly. When passed, the Bill will provide clarity and address this matter. In relation to the issue arising from the point of order as to whether the Division of Revenue (No.2) Bill (National Assembly Bills No.59 of 2019) was validly assented to, in my view, this cannot be answered conclusively at this point. A determination of validity of any law passed by Parliament cannot fall on one House or the Speaker of one House. It is for this reason that the Senate filed a petition in the High Court, Petition No.284 of 2019, seeking the Court’s determination on the constitutionality of a number of Acts that, in the opinion of the Senate, were passed unconstitutionally. Pronouncing myself on this matter may, therefore, prejudice the fair determination of the court matter. In conclusion, it is important to note that the protracted process of enactment of the Division of Revenue Act, 2019 that the country has witnessed has come at a time when the country is engaging in a robust discourse on constitutional reforms. It is my view that these reforms should include a review of the Constitution to address the challenges relating to the legislative mandate and processes of both Houses so far identified in the process of implementing the Constitution. I thank you. Moving to the next Order, I now ask you to use the Supplementary Order Paper."
}