Update: Tonse Pamodzi Alliance in Eastern Province drops Nyimba North MP Paul Lungu over deputy whip post

The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance in Eastern Province has withdrawn its political support from Nyimba North Member of Parliament Paul Lungu with immediate effect, after he accepted an appointment as deputy opposition whip from the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), which Ezra Tembo leads in the National Assembly. Provincial Chairman Maxson Nkhoma said the move was "a serious breach of political loyalty and disregard for the guidance of President Brian Mundubile," and "contrary to the Alliance's collective position and political direction." He said the provincial leadership has told alliance structures in Nyimba District and Nyimba North Constituency to stop all political and organisational engagement with Mr Lungu as an alliance representative until they receive further guidance. Mr Nkhoma also reminded alliance-aligned MPs, mayors, council chairpersons and councillors of their duty of loyalty, and warned that any breach would be handled through party disciplinary procedures. The alliance, he said, "will not hesitate to take appropriate organizational action" where disloyalty or misconduct is established. He raised concern about recent developments in Parliament, including the Speaker's recognition of Mr Tembo as Leader of the Opposition and of Mr Lungu as deputy whip. The statement comes two days after Speaker Nelly Mutti told the House on 20 October that the NRPUP Secretary General had confirmed Mr Tembo's election as Leader of the Opposition. Shiwang'andu MP Stephen Kampyongo rejected that, saying he was elected Leader of the Opposition by fellow NRPUP MPs and is the legitimate holder of the post. Mr Mundubile, the presidential candidate of the party in the 13 August election, is in custody at Mukobeko with 17 others on treason-related charges and has not been convicted. ## Why it matters The opposition in Parliament is meant to question the government on behalf of voters who did not choose it. When MPs, a party secretary general and an