By: Vanessa Chibwe
What was meant to be a moment marking the conclusion of a historic parliamentary process has instead exploded into a fierce national conversation, after National Assembly Speaker Nelly Mutti was seen dancing moments after the passage of the contentious Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7.
The brief celebratory gesture quickly went viral, triggering a storm of condemnation and praise across social media platforms, and sharply dividing public opinion.
Opposition figures were swift and unsparing in their criticism. Prominent voices such as Makebi Zulu, Binwell Mpundu and others described the Speaker’s conduct as partisan, insensitive and shameful, arguing that her office demands strict neutrality, especially on a matter that deeply polarized the nation.
They contended that the dance symbolized triumph by one political side over another, at a time when many Zambians were still grappling with the implications of the bill and the heated debate that preceded its passage.
However, the backlash was met with equally passionate defence from sections of the public. Some netizens dismissed the outrage as exaggerated, insisting the Speaker was merely expressing human emotion after presiding over a tense and exhausting parliamentary session.
Others argued that democracy had prevailed through due process, and that no rule explicitly forbids a Speaker from celebrating the successful conclusion of parliamentary business.
As the video continues to circulate, Speaker Mutti’s dance has become more than a viral moment , it has evolved into a powerful symbol of Zambia’s deep political divisions, raising fresh questions about leadership, symbolism, and the fine line between personal expression and institutional neutrality.
©️Zambia Reports | December 16th, 2025.