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Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, has declared the Petauke parliamentary seat vacant and informed the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) following the expiry of a seven-day ultimatum issued to incumbent Emmanuel Banda.
Banda, who has been absent from Parliament for over 90 days, failed to respond to the Speaker’s directive to report to the House by Thursday.
The ultimatum was recommended by a committee established by the Speaker to address Banda’s prolonged absence.
Read more: Banda: Opposition lawmakers warn against declaring Petauke seat vacant, threaten legal action
Banda, labeled a “fugitive,” reportedly went missing while under detention at Chipata General Hospital.
His disappearance in police and correctional service custody has drawn significant public attention.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu recently disclosed that Banda is in Zimbabwe under the custody of security authorities, awaiting extradition to Zambia.
The ECZ is yet to announce the date for a by-election to fill the now-vacant seat.
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