ECZ disappointed with Kabimba The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has expressed disappointment with the comments made by Justice Minister, Wynter Kabimba when he featured on a ZNBC national watch programme on Thursday July25, 2013. And the Commission has also maintained that Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people abrogated article 129 of the constitution when he featured at a campaign rally to campaign for a Patriotic Front (PF) candidate, Lameck Mangani. ECZ Acting Spokesperson, Sylvia Bwalya said it is also worrying for Kabimba who is also PF Secretary General to allege that the commission acted outside its mandate to caution ZNBC on the length of the political advert. She explained that section 109 (1) of the Electoral Act provides that the electoral commission shall in order to promote free, fair and orderly elections issue by statutory instrument, an electoral code conduct and any other codes as it may consider necessary. Bwalya reiterated that the commission actedwithin its power to caution the national broadcaster on the duration of the PF advert.She added that the Commission has on previous record summoned and reprimanded public media houses for certain productions and publication immediately upon the commencement of the2011 general elections. The ECZ Spokesperson said the code of conduct comes into effect during campaign period and advised all stakeholders to follow it stating that it is not a mere set guidelines but is a law which must be obeyed by all. She also explained that the commission does not object to invitation chiefs at political functions but against issuing statements. Bwalya said this in a statement on Saturday July 27, 2013. Kabimba is quoted to have accused the ECZ of siding with the opposition and questioned why they cautioned ZNBC for airing an advert which was paid for.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Jul 2013 14:16:48 +0000
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