The Commission Meets Traditional Leaders in Chilanga

The Commission recently held a meeting with traditional leaders in Chilanga Constituency ahead of the Parliamentary by-election scheduled to take place on Tuesday 5th June, 2018.

The Commission recently held a meeting with traditional leaders in Chilanga Constituency ahead of the Parliamentary by-election scheduled to take place on Tuesday 5th June, 2018.
The main objective of the meeting was to ensure that the traditional leaders understood their role in in the electoral process and in observing the Electoral Code of Conduct, which is now part of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.

The Traditional Leaders meeting which took place on Friday 4th May, at Intulo Lodge in Chilanga Constituency and Kafulafuta Ward was attended by about 49 traditional leaders drawn from the Constituency.

Addressing the Traditional Leaders in Chilanga, Justice Christopher Mushabati in the presence of Commission Vice-Chairperson, Mrs. Annette Nhekairo noted that political players had blatantly disregarded the provisions of the electoral laws with impunity.

He said the Commission would therefore continue to enhance interaction with all stakeholders and members of the public to ensure understanding and appreciation of the Electoral Process. The Commission expressed hope that as a result of such interactions, there would be more adherence to all electoral laws by everybody.

In his speech, Justice Mushabati said that traditional leaders have been accused of intimidating, threatening, coercing or persuading their subjects to act in a particular way politically. He said other traditional leaders had been heard openly supporting particular political parties or candidates.

Regulation 14 of the Electoral Code of Conduct of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 prohibits any individual or organisation from coercing or intimidating another person during campaigns, public debates or elections. A traditional leader is defined as “a Paramount Chief, Senior Chief an ordinary chief or village headman” (of course including a village head-woman).

Further Article 168 (2) of the Constitution of Zambia Chapter One of the Laws of Zambia forbids Chiefs from joining or participating in partisan politics. It reads: “A Chief who seeks to hold office in a political party or election or appointment to a state, except that of Councillor, shall abdicate the Chief’s throne.”

Justice Mushabati reminded the traditional leaders that on 5th June, 2018, the Commission would be conducting the Chilanga Parliamentary by-election, in the Constituency. He appealed to the traditional leaders, to avoid taking part in the campaigns or to openly support any particular candidate or political party participating in the said elections. He emphasized that whatever political statement a Chief or headman might say may be misunderstood hence they needed to be careful with whatever they said or did.

The Judge implored the traditional leaders to ensure that they were law abiding citizens. “Differences of opinion must never be allowed to cause divisions among your people,” Justice Mushabati advised.

He said that the holding of the Chilanga by-election must not be a source of hatred, violence or any other vices but an opportunity for the electorate to elect a candidate of their choice.

He finally appealed to the traditional leaders to avoid engaging themselves in acts of violence and behaviours which were likely to cause anarchy in the country.