By Sandra Chuungu
First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly MALUNGO CHISANGANO has ruled that the continued absence of independent Petauke Central Member of Parliament EMMANUEL BANDA be referred to the Committee on Privileges and Absences for determination. 
Ms. CHISANGANO says the committee is expected to make appropriate recommendations next week on November 15, 2024.
The First Deputy Speaker’s ruling comes after a point of order that was raised by the United Party for National Development UPND’s Katombora Member of Parliament CLEMENT ANDELEKI on October 15, 2024.
Dr. ANDELEKI raised a point of order to find out the status of the Petauke Central Law Maker following his disappearance from Chipata Central Hospital on June 20, 2024, where it was held by police and prison waders.
In her ruling, the Speaker CHISANGANO said following Mr. BANDA’s escape from custody, no valid reason, has been presented for his continued absence.
In a separate ruling, the First Deputy Speaker addressed the legal status of Pambashe Member of Parliament RONALD CHITOTELA and Kawambwa Central Member of Parliament NICKSON CHILANGWA who had been convicted on criminal charges.
Ms. CHISANGANO said the matter had previously been raised in the House in July this year, when Dr. ANDELEKI sought to revisit the status of the two MPs following their convictions.
Ms. CHISANGANO stated that the matter could not be reopened since it had already been decided.
