ECZ should provide guidance on the holding of rallies in chiefdoms, says David Kapoma

GOVERNANCE Activist David Kapoma says the Electoral Commission of Zambia should provide guidance on the holding of rallies in chiefdoms.

Commenting on Chief Mpezeni’s decision to ban unauthorised rallies in his chiefdom, Mr. Kapoma said it was not appropriate for traditional leaders to meddle in politics.

“The involvement of chiefs in politics is interference in the electoral process. Political parties are free to hold rallies and campaign meetings in any part of the country provided it is during the campaign periods,” Mr. Kapoma said.

“Chiefs have no right to stop political party from holding rallies. Zambia is a democratic state and therefore everyone should observe the law and avoid interfering in the campaigns.”

Mr. Kapoma said the job of the chiefs was to create a conducive environment and receive any politician that visits their chiefdoms.

He said allowing the chiefs to take charge shows weakness on the part of the government and the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

Mr. Kapoma said ECZ should ensure that they implement the law accordingly and ensure that politicians are given the platform to explain their manifestos to the people in a free and friendly environment.

And Mr. Kapoma said it was unfortunate that some chiefs have stated engaging in politics when their role is to serve the interest of the people in their chiefdoms.

“I am wondering why ECZ has remained quiet when they are supposed to provide guidance and ensure that the electoral code of conduct is observed by everyone. It will be very difficult to have free and fair elections if the ECZ allows the situation to remain the way it is. Chiefs must realise that as traditional leaders they are not supposed to involve themselves in politics. Chiefs represent people that belong to different political parties and therefore must not be seen to be partisan,” said Mr. Kapoma.