The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has submitted a complaint before the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) with regard to the conduct of Vice President Guy Scott in the Kasenengwa constituency by-elections.
According to a letter sent to ECZ Director Ms. Priscilla Isaacs signed by MMD Press Secretary Alfred A. K. Ndhlovu, the party is opposing the PF’s use of Chief Mishoro of the Ngoni people to bolster their campaign, when it is against the constitution to use tribal leaders for politics.
Chief Mishoro was paraded at a PF campaign rally, the MMD writes in their complaint, where he was put forward to give a speech to voters in the presence of Vice President Scott, who was in the area to drum up support for a PF candidate. Chief Mishoro went further to make disparaging remarks about women voting as well as disparaging remarks about the female candidates in the race.
The MMD argues that the parading of traditional leaders for campaign purposes is forbidden in Zambia under the Electoral Code of Conduct, while the Constitution under PART XIII (As amended by Act No. 18 of 1996) of the Republican Constitution under Article 129 (Chief not to be partisan) states as follows: “A person shall not, while remaining a Chief, join or participate in partisan politics.”
The MMD is also complaining about Guy Scott’s recent profane insults against former President Rupiah Banda, which they say are intended to provoke ethnic violence on behalf of the PF.
“It is saddening that a former head of state can be disparaged and insulted in this manner in his home area where almost all local people are related in several ways in the African sense of family life. Dr. Scott is a Scotsman born and living in the best Zambia where he has failed to find and associate himself with a village and Chief. He must therefore, not take the people of Zambia for granted. You must also realize that sour language like this usually BREEDS POLITICAL VIOLENCE during or even after elections. Additionally, the Laws of Zambia incorporate laws on insulting innocent citizens, which we can take advantage of in the courts of law against Dr. Scott personally,” writes Ndhlovu.
The letter notes that all of the by-elections are taking place in districts where the PF lost, and later overturned through the complaints.
The post MMD Blasts Guy Scott’s Electoral Law Violations appeared first on Zambia Reports.