The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has issued a press statement questioning the PF government’s ban on rallies by the opposition party United Party for National Development (UPND).
FODEP would like to advise the Zambia Police Force and United Party for National Development (UPND) to chart an understanding on why the party should not hold public rallies in areas where by-elections are pending.
FODEP agrees with the reasons advanced by the Zambia Police Force not to allow public political rallies in areas where by-elections are pending due to prolonged court process. However, this does not stop the UPND from holding indoor meetings in their reorganization efforts in the province.
It is for this reason that we advise the UPND to choose other districts within the province which are not awaiting by-elections for public political rallies to avoid misconceptions from other stakeholders.
In as much as we recognise the fact that the ruling party started these early campaigns, two wrongs do not make a right. As going ahead with public political rallies before the nominations are done will set a wrong precedence as other political parties will also start their campaigns.
In this vein, we would like to appeal to the judiciary to expedite the disposal of electoral cases to void political anxieties and continued denial of people’s rights to representation in the affected constituencies.
It is important that the judiciary as part of the three arms of government respect the constitutional provisions as provided for in Article 67 (1) of the Constitution which has blatantly been breached by this prolonged court cases leading to lack of representation in constituencies such as Malambo, Petauke, Mulobezi, Zambezi, Kasenegwa and Vumbwi beyond the 90 days. Article 67 (1) states, “When a vacancy occurs in the seat of a member of the national Assembly…a by-election shall be held within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of the vacancy. For example, some constituencies such as Malambo, Petauke and Mulobezi had 90days due on 28th September 2013.
Further, we reiterate our call on the Electoral commission of Zambia to ensure that the electoral Code of Conduct is enforced throughout the electoral cycle to take care of early campaigns by political parties.
Signed:
McDonald Chipenzi
Executive Director
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