“The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relationship between parties and their Members of Parliament in Zambia. This will be done by first contextualising political parties and their relationship to Parliament in Zambia. Secondly, we discuss the role
and structural organisation of parliamentary groups. Thirdly, the relationship between Members of Parliament is analysed within the
context of influence, control and competition. Fourthly, inter-party
Parliamentary cooperation is discussed, especially regarding building coalitions of support for or against motions and bills. The
concluding section makes some tentative proposals regarding the future of party-MP relations, arguing for a system which will reduce the influence of political parties on their MPs and their protection from undue
victimisation.”
