As the national assembly puts together its parliamentary committees, MakanDay explains how MPs are selected, what the committees do and the three types of bills that can be introduced in parliament.
By MakanDay Editor
Much of what Zambians see of parliament happens on the floor of the national assembly, where MPs debate national issues, question ministers and consider proposed laws.
But some of parliament’s most important work takes place away from the main chamber, in smaller groups known as parliamentary committees.
As the 14th National Assembly puts together its committees, the process will help determine which MPs examine government spending, scrutinise ministries and investigate matters affecting citizens.
For voters, the appointments matter because they create another avenue through which MPs can demand explanations about public services and the use of public resources.
What are parliamentary committees?
Parliamentary committees are smaller groups of MPs assigned to examine particular issues in greater detail than is usually possible during debates in the main chamber.
For example, a committee examining health matters may question officials about medicine shortages, while another dealing with public finances may investigate how government institutions have spent taxpayers’ money.
Committees can examine documents, receive submissions, question witnesses and prepare reports containing findings and recommendations.
Their work allows parliament to look beyond statements made by ministers and examine whether government policies and programmes are being implemented.
Who selects MPs to serve on committees?
Although the Speaker plays an important role in establishing and overseeing parliamentary committees, the responsibility for appointing MPs to standing committees at the beginning of a new parliament rests with the Standing Orders Committee, which is chaired by the Speaker.
The selection process must consider the representation of political parties and independent MPs, as well as gender, experience and qualifications.
Under the Standing Orders, most MPs are required to serve on a general purposes or portfolio committee.
An MP ordinarily cannot belong to more than two committees, although a third appointment is permitted if it is to a House-Keeping Committee.
Most committees are limited to 10 members, including the chairperson and vice-chairperson.
These rules are intended to distribute parliamentary responsibilities while ensuring that different political interests are represented.
What types of committees are there?
The Standing Orders provide for three broad types of parliamentary committees.
Standing Committees are established for the life of a parliament. They include committees responsible for examining government ministries, public expenditure and the internal administration of the national assembly.
Standing Committees are further divided into house-keeping, general purposes and portfolio committees.
Select Committees are temporary committees established to examine particular matters requiring parliamentary consideration, including certain presidential appointments.
Committees of the Whole House involve MPs considering matters collectively, except for the Speaker. One example is the detailed examination of a bill during its committee stage.
Can Opposition and Independent MPs Chair Committees?
Yes. Parliamentary committee leadership is not reserved for the ruling party. The Standing Orders specifically require that the chairpersons of the committees responsible for local government aaccounts, parastatal bodies and the Constituency Development Fund must not belong to the party in government. Other committees generally elect their chairpersons and vice-chairpersons from among their members.
Solwezi Central Independent MP Kawina Poho has been named chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a position previously held by Charles Milupi and Howard Kunda. The committee scrutinises government expenditure and findings from the Auditor-General to establish whether public funds have been properly accounted for.
Why it matters: Parliamentary oversight helps expose financial irregularities and demand accountability for taxpayers’ money. For ordinary Zambians, this can mean ensuring that funds intended for medicines, schools, roads and Constituency Development Fund projects are used for their intended purposes.
What about Bills? Are they all the same?
While committees are being constituted, parliament also has another major responsibility: making laws.
Before a proposed law becomes an Act of Parliament, it is introduced as a bill.
The Standing Orders recognise three types of Bills.
1. Public Bills
These deal with matters of public interest, such as education, health, taxation or other issues affecting the wider population.
A Public Bill can be introduced by the government or by a backbench MP. When introduced by a backbench MP, it is known as a Private Member’s Bill.
However, Bills dealing with certain public financial matters, including taxation and the allocation of public funds, can only be introduced by a minister.
2. Private Bills
Unlike a Public Bill, a Private Bill deals with the interests of a particular private group, association or corporate body.
It is introduced by a backbench MP and must meet specific requirements, including publication of notices explaining its purpose.
A Private Bill should not be confused with a Private Member’s Bill. The former concerns particular private interests, while the latter describes a Bill introduced by a backbench MP.
3. Hybrid Bills
A Hybrid Bill affects both public and private interests.
Such a Bill may concern a broader public matter while also having particular implications for an identifiable private group or organisation.
The procedure applicable to Private Bills also applies to Hybrid Bills.
Why should citizens pay attention?
The formation of parliamentary committees may appear to be an internal administrative exercise, but it has consequences for public accountability.
Once committee memberships are announced, voters will be able to see which MPs have been assigned responsibility for scrutinising different areas of government.
They can then follow whether those MPs attend committee proceedings, ask meaningful questions and contribute to recommendations that address public concerns.
Similarly, when a bill is introduced, citizens should ask what problem it seeks to address, who stands to benefit and whether its provisions could affect their rights or livelihoods.
Parliament’s effectiveness is not measured only by how often MPs speak in the House, but also by how thoroughly they examine government decisions, scrutinise proposed laws and demand accountability.
That is why HOUSE BUSINESS will continue following both the debates in the chamber and the work taking place behind the scenes.
