The Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) says the suspension of proceedings at the National Assembly will have potentially an adverse impact on the ability of Parliament to pass bills this year.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, Association President, Eddie Mwitwa, however, said what is also paramount is the safety of every parliamentarian, believing that the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Clerk are looking into ways parliament can resume sittings.
“We want to believe the Speaker of the National Assembly and his term the Clerk are looking into ways parliament can resume sittings,” Mr Mwitwa said.
He added that according to recent media reports, parliament indicated that it is considering possibilities of meeting through the use of virtual sittings.
Mr Mwitwa says the association welcomes the proposal by Parliament to use virtual sittings, further encouraging the judiciary to emulate the decision because Courts have also been adversely affected by the suspension of hearings owing to the pandemic.
“That is something we encourage something we are hoping the judiciary can also do because courts have also been adversely affected by the suspension of hearings owing to the pandemic,’’ Mr Mwitwa explained.
In March this year, Parliament suspended its sittings following the outbreak of Coronavirus that has affected the globe.