Lawmakers in Zambia on Friday chose high-profile lawyer Nelly Mutti as the country’s first woman Speaker of the National Assembly.
Cecilia Mbewe, clerk of the National Assembly, declared Mutti as the Speaker after the nomination went through unopposed.
Mutti was duly elected during the first session of the 13th National Assembly following the general elections held on 12 August. She replaces Patrick Matibini, a retired high court judge who served as speaker for 10 years.
Speaking after she was ushered into the chamber, Mutti said it was a tremendous challenge and honor to be entrusted with the responsibility to guard the rights and privileges of lawmakers.
Mutti occupied the positions of president of the Law Association of Zambia, chairperson of the country’s anti-corruption commission, as well commissioner in a Constitutional Review Commission appointed by late President Levy Mwanawasa.
The parliament has also elected Attracta Chisangano as first deputy speaker and Frank Moyo as second deputy speaker.
