The approval of four nominees to the Public Service Commission (PSC) has been left in limbo after opposition members walked out of the National Assembly chamber, resulting in a lack of quorum and halting the vote.
The motion, tabled by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, requested the approval for the appointment and re-appointment of four members nominated by the President to serve on the commission.
The matter carried urgency, as the current commissioners' terms of office will expire at the end of this month.
Members were informed that the term concludes today, on Friday, with new commissioners expected to be sworn in by Monday to ensure continuity at the constitutional body responsible for overseeing the country's public service.
Debate on the motion was preceded by procedural concerns raised by some members, including objections to the order of business and the timing of the tabling of the item.
A request was made to postpone the debate to next week to allow preparation.
Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila ruled that no specific rule had been broken and that while members could raise concerns, there was no requirement for unanimous agreement before the House could proceed.
As calls for postponement continued, others insisted the House proceed with the main motion, citing the looming expiry of the commissioners' contracts and the importance of maintaining continuity within the Public Service Commission.
When the Speaker put the question for approval of the nominees, opposition members walked out of the chamber.
Only those in favour of the motion were counted, but the House did not meet the required quorum.
"Unfortunately, they have walked out. At the time that we voted, those who were in favour were counted, but we did not have a quorum. Even if the doors are closed, they are not locked. There is no way for us to restrain a member and keep them from walking out. That would be a violation of the rules," said Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
With no quorum present, the vote could not be concluded, leaving the appointments pending and raising uncertainty over the leadership of the commission once the current term expires.