The law association of Zambia has taken a position and states that cabinet minister shall vacate office after parliament dissolves on Wednesday (May 11) because it is a constitutional requirement to do so.
LAZ has stated that cabinet minister shall vacate office when parliament dissolves according to article 116 sections 1 as read with article 72 sections 1, and it will be unconstitutional if cabinet ministers will insist to remain in office.
LAZ says vacating office is in line with tenets of good governance, democracy and the rule of law, and anything cabinet minister will do contrary to this shall be against the interest of the Zambian people.
And LAZ has warned that it will take the matter to court if cabinet ministers will insist to remain in office after parliament dissolves.
At a media briefing at its offices in Lusaka today, LAZ president Linda Kasonde further states that cabinet ministers may have remained in office if they were appointed from outside parliament as they would not have been subjected to the life of parliament.
LAZ has stated that it will be constitutional for the vice president to remain in office after dissolution of parliament as he or she is not required be appointed from among members of parliament.
But Justice Minister Ngosa Simbyakula has dared LAZ to go ahead and seek legal redress saying Ministers will continue until new office bearers are sworn in.
And during question and answer session, LAZ President Linda Kasonde said ballot papers must be printed in a place where all political parties and stakeholders are happy to avoid acrimony.
And on the referendum, Ms Kasonde says LAZ is of the view that it should not be held alongside the general election to avoid politicizing it.
LAZ says although it appreciates the cost implications of holding the referendum alone, it is far better in the long run than holding it with the general election.