The National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) said its president, Dag Hammarskjöld MP Ezra Tembo, is its settled choice for Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. The party rejected claims that Shiwang’andu MP Stephen Kampyongo had been selected for the post. This decision reflects a strong commitment to leadership in zambia.

Party secretary-general Nonde Mubanga said in a statement that a binding decision in Mr Tembo’s favour was taken earlier this month at a properly convened meeting of 34 NRPUP parliamentarians. Luanshya MP Golden Mulenga proposed Mr Tembo, and the motion was seconded by Nyimba North MP Paul Lungu and Chembe MP Kasongo Chomba. This decision is vital for the political landscape in zambia.

The dispute turns on a second, later meeting, which Mr Mubanga said had no power to reverse what the full caucus had agreed. He said that meeting “cannot unilaterally overturn a prior collective decision made by the 34 MPs”. He urged the public, the media and the office of the Speaker to disregard what he called a misleading report now circulating. The future of opposition leadership in zambia is at stake.

The party’s position, he said, stands firm, and the nomination letter recognising Mr Tembo as Leader of the Opposition has already been submitted to the National Assembly of Zambia. Efforts to get a comment from Mr Kampyongo were unsuccessful.

The row has broken out in the first days of the new Parliament. Members of the 14th National Assembly are in induction, and presiding officers are due to be elected on Friday. Opening that induction, Speaker Nelly Mutti urged MPs to enter Parliament with a sense of duty, to disagree without becoming enemies and to hold each other accountable.

The Speaker said the strength of the House would be judged not by the absence of differences, but by its ability to resolve them. She asked veteran parliamentarians not to intimidate new members but to guide them through respectable conduct, and reminded all MPs that the credibility of the House depends on their character, judgment and conduct.

The timetable leaves the opposition little room for a long quarrel. President Hakainde Hichilema will officially open the first session of the 14th National Assembly on October 9. He is expected to outline the Government’s policy direction and priorities for 2026/2027.

Clerk of the National Assembly Loveness Mayaka said the ceremonial opening will take place at Parliament Buildings, and MPs will then consider the pronouncements in the President’s address. NRPUP’s nomination letter naming Mr Tembo is with the National Assembly, and Mr Kampyongo has not responded to requests for comment.

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