IBA AND CCPC DEFEND MULTI-CHOICE’S EXORBITANT SUBSCRIPTION FEES

Here is their useless statement:

JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

For the past few weeks, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) have followed with keen interest the complaints that have been publicly made against Multichoice Zambia (commonly referred to as DSTV). Be rest assured that the CCPC and IBA have not ignored your concerns but have since inquired into the complaints raised. These complaints can be summarised as follows:

i. Non-reduction of the DSTV subscription despite the appreciation of the Kwacha

ii. The repeat of programs and shows on DSTV

iii. ZNBC channels not being available on the DSTV bouquet when subscription has expired and

iv. Provisions of Pay Per View television

Mandate of the CCPC and IBA

The mandate of the CCPC is to protect consumers against unfair trade practices and ensure fair competition in all sectors of the economy. This mandate, however, does not extend to control the prices of companies operating in any sector of the economy.

The mandate of the IBA is to regulate the broadcasting sector by ensuring the promotion of a pluralistic and diverse broadcasting industry in Zambia. Similarly, the IBA Act doesn’t have a provision that allows the Authority to determine the pricing for broadcasting services offered by its licensees. However, all subscription management service providers are required to notify the Authority of subscription fee adjustments.

Non-reduction of the DSTV Subscription price due to appreciation of the Kwacha

We would like to inform the public that in a liberal economy, no regulator has the legal power to regulate the price of any goods or services. Where prices are regulated, there are specific laws that provide for that regulation. This can be seen in the energy, telecommunication, and transportation sectors. However, in the broadcasting sector, there is no such legal framework to regulate prices apart from forces of demand and supply. Notwithstanding, where it has been established that an enterprise has engaged in any anti-competitive conduct, the CCPC may carry out investigations. Preliminary inquiries conducted by the Commission in this matter indicate that the non-reduction of prices following the appreciation of the Kwacha is not anti-competitive and does not constitute unfair trading. The investigations show that there is no violation under the Competition and Consumer Protection Act No. 24 of 2010.

We note that the macro-economic fundamentals, particularly the exchange rate and inflation have improved. However, these are not the only basis for price determination and thus, compelling businesses to adjust prices in response to the movement of economic fundamentals is tantamount to price controls.

The repeat of programs and shows on DSTV

In relation to the public concerns relating to the repeat of programs and shows on DSTV, we wish to advise the public that content acquired is made available to as many consumers as possible. This is done by making content available over a given period. This allows consumers an opportunity to access the content. This is NOT REPEATING content but merely making it available over a period. This is common to all Pay TV Platforms including On Video on Demand such as Netflix.

Therefore, what one consumer may call a repeat another consumer may not have seen it. Broadcasters enjoy editorial independence and are at liberty to package their program in whatever manner they deem fit. Provided such programming meets the ethical, cultural and moral standards as set by IBA.

We note that the pay TV subscription services industry has six players in the market offering various content and bouquets and that consumers are free to choose which service provider they want.

Competition and consumer choice are the go-to-first line of protection in any liberalised market, with regulatory intervention required only when the market has failed. The consumer is therefore not expected to fail himself or herself when there are alternatives to the product or service in question.

ZNBC channels not being available on the DSTV bouquet when subscription has expired.

We would like to notify the consumers that signal distributors are the only entities obliged to make available free to air content to consumers. Such free to air content include ZNBC channels.

Currently there are only two (2) signal distributors Top Star and Gotv Zambia Limited. Multichoice Zambia is NOT a signal distributor but a subscriber Manager for the DSTV product and is NOT obliged to make available for free, free to air content, such as ZNBC channels. This obligation is placed on the public Signal Distributor – Topstar.

Provisions of Pay Per View television

The inquiries conducted by the CCPC sometime in 2020 established that provision of Pay Per View television would be expensive to the Zambian consumer. This is because content acquisition is expensive. Therefore, the option of pay per view would mean making available content on demand, implying that the consumer bears the full cost of the content.

The model used by Pay TVs in Zambia of aggregating content makes them provide expensive content cheaper to the consumer (as different bouquets) as the cost is spread over a relatively large subscriber base. The conditions have not changed since as the structure of the market is the same to warrant Pay Per View television. Additionally, neither the Commission nor the Authority can request an existing business to change its business model.

We further advise consumers to always inquire or seek audience with their service providers, regulators and to understand the product or service they are consuming. We remain committed to ensuring that consumers are protected, competition is promoted, and the business is allowed to operate freely in a liberal economy like Zambia, devoid of unwarranted regulatory interventions.

Public Relations Unit CCPC:

Public Relations Unit IBA:

The Southern Africa Network Against Corruption (SANAC) has expressed displeasure over the statement issued by the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) on the rejection of the nomination papers for Joe Malanji and Bowman Lusambo citing that it lacked legal backing as the Association failed to refer to any Constitutional provisions in their submission.

The Southern Africa Network Against Corruption Executive Director Gregory Chifire noted that it is worrying when LAZ starts to make pedestrian statements such as the one on the illegibility of Mr Lusambo and Mr Malanji when there mandate according section 4 of the Law Association of Zambia Act Chapter 31 is to promote constitutionalism, rights of citizens and the rule of law, therefore, LAZ must never veer off from its sacred mandate as it stands to lose its credibility.

“Such statements can fuel anarchy,” Mr Chifire noted

Mr Chifire stated that LAZ needs to put itself in order and there is need for urgent reforms so as to retain the place of integrity and good standing the Association has enjoyed in the eyes of the general public.

“We humbly ask senior lawyers to help in this regard,” he said

He highlighted that it is disappointing that LAZ in their submission failed to cite any Constitutional provision when it is a matter of common sense that issues concerning the Constitution must be debated using the Constitution.

Mr Chifire added that Zambia has a constitution, which is a Supreme Law of the Land and any other law that contravenes with the Constitution is null and void according to (Article 1[1]) of the Constitution.

He said that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) was actually being charitable by informing the Patriotic Front well in advance that it will not accept the nominations of Mr Malanji to recontest in the Kwacha Constituency seat and Mr Lusambo to recontest on the Kabushi Constituency seat in the upcoming Parliamentary By-Elections slated for the 15th of September, 2022, in order for the party to consider finding replacements in the twilight.

He mentioned that the Patriotic Front just wanted to attract sympathy because if they were serious, they could have replaced their candidates.

“As it stands, they have lost those two seats, thanks to their arrogance that was backed by ill advice from LAZ,” Mr Chifire mentioned

Mr Chifire explained that the next time LAZ debates on the Constitution, they should be ready to make reference to the same because whatever a lawyer submits that has no authority, amounts to nothing regardless of volume of submission.

“What LAZ submitted on the matter at hand is nothing, it has no legal backing thus it is as good as a tavern discussion,” he said

He said that it is an open secret that LAZ has had few internal challenges such as issues involving its members that were being used during the Patriotic Front (PF) regime as conduits for money laundering and the Association has failed to deliberate on that issue.

Mr Chifire added that there is an allegation in the public domain that Equitas Legal Practitioners, the firm where the current LAZ President, Lungisani Zulu is a partner, was used for payments in excess of K5 million that raised a red flag.

He further added that in a situation as one involving the firm for the President of LAZ, Zambians would be inclined to conclude that in making the statement on the issue of Mr Malanji and Mr Lusambo, Mr Zulu’s judgment was influenced by the relationship his firm enjoyed with the former Ruling Party.

“It is only natural that as human beings we seldom take positions that seemingly disadvantage our paymasters, current or former,” Mr Chifire said

VVIP Premium tables costing US$5000 each for the concert featuring American rapper Rick Ross in Zimbabwe have been sold out with organisers saying the remaining tickets are fast running out for the much awaited event on the 18th of November 2022.

ROAR Entertainment, the company behind the international superstar’s local show, spokesperson and veteran entertainment consultant Ms Shally told Nehanda Radio on Thursday that premium tables had been sold out.

She applauded Zimbabweans and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region for exhibiting an “exciting” behavior of buying tickets in advance.

“Basically the premium tables which are very close to where Rick Ross will be performing from, they already have been sold out. This is quite exciting especially in the Zimbabwean culture where a lot of people are used to buying tickets when the show is like a week away,” Ms Shally said.

“Right now we are getting a lot of sales. I have no doubts we are going to be sold out pretty soon. For me, this is quite exciting to see such behavior in the Zimbabwean people, where people buy tickets in advance.

“What’s exciting about this event is, it is regional. We have people from Zambia, South Africa, Namibia among other countries who are also buying the tickets. This is not just a Zimbabwean event. It is like a Southern Africa event which is quite exciting and people are buying in advance.”

Only last week, Ms Shally said 40 percent of the total tickets had already been bought, adding there was no plan of selling tickets at the venue.

Rick Ross is set to perform in Zimbabwe at the Harare International Convention Centre (HICC) on Friday the 18th of November 2022.

The concert is powered by Better Brands Petroleum. Tickets are being sold at all Pick n Pay branches at the BancABC kiosks. There is also an option to buy using a visa card or paying with paypal at www.roar-entertainment.com.

For the V-VIP Gold Tables costing US$4,000 each, she said only 8 tables were left. Only 4 tables are left at the V-VIP Silver costing US$3,000 each.

General access early bird tickets start at US$50 per individual and one would have to part with US$150 for an early bird VIP ticket.

The VVIP Premium ticket gives ten people access to Rick Ross, an opportunity to be up close with the star, 10 Belaire Champagne bottles and security.

16TH DECEMBER 2015

Letter to President Edgar Lungu

Your Excellency,

Choice greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Name above all names!

Your Excellency, I am compelled to react to part of your statement in Kasama yesterday. On Tuesday 15th December 2015 during the evening news, the ZNBC reported your speech in Kasama, whereby you declared the following, inter alia, that “under the new Constitution, when it comes I shall sign it with eyes closed because that is what Zambians wanted”. As a very concerned Zambian I was startled and alarmed to hear my President pledge to sign this solemn document with eyes closed without assigning a plausible reason. You may have justifiable reasons but you did not state them.

Your Excellency, the following are some of the reasons why you must keep your eyes open as you read and meditate before you sign the Constitution:

1.NO TIMELY BOLD POLICY POSITION DURING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILLS: There are contentious issues in National Assembly Bills N.A.B. Numbers 16 and 17 over which your Emissary to Parliament, the Honourable Minister of Justice Hon Ngosa Simbyakula, DID NOT OR NEGLECTED to present a policy statement during the Second Reading stages of the said Bills. Surprisingly, he had submitted to the Committee on Legal Affairs, Governance, Gender Matters and Child Affairs, that your Executive had no position on the Constitution. A bold policy statement during the Second Reading would have assisted MPs to focus on and debate salient issues before voting.

2.PRESIDENT’S CONSTITUTIONAL OBLIGATIONS: Article 44 of the current Constitution obliges you, Mr President, to protect, administer and execute the Constitution. As the Fountain of Justice you MUST NOT close your eyes to demands for justice, for example as demanded by at least six opposition political parties regarding the 1000 threshold of supporters for a presidential candidate (Heritage Party is on record at Parliament against this provision). You have arbitrarily rejected the grievance out of hand without a hearing. Justice is one of the pillars of democracy, and you are under oath to administer and execute justice without closing your eyes when citizens petition you.

3.CHRISTIAN NATION DECLARATION: Mr President, you recently publicly reiterated and affirmed that Zambia is a Christian Nation. Consequently I urge you, with your eyes open and in serious meditation as a believer, to examine the New Preamble by comparing the following declarations in the said Preamble:

i. “DECLARE the Republic a Christian Nation while upholding a person’s right to freedom of conscience, belief or religion”.

ii. “RECOGNISE AND UPHOLD the multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural character of our Nation….”

I petition you to personally make a public policy pronouncement on these two provisions and clarify the need for the second declaration, especially the motive of this extended verbiage which seems to counter the first one.On this issue, my President, DO NOT emulate Pontius Pilate.

4.CITIZENSHIP: Please expound and clarify your policy regarding the following questions:

i. On the Wholesale and Ambiguous Declaration of Dual Citizenship: please clarify the following. A Zambian named Edgar acquires citizenship of a country called Zombie. War breaks out between Zambia and Zombie. For which country must Edgar fight? If Edgar chooses to fight for Zombie against Zambia, will he be amenable to treason charges in Zambia since he has breached his allegiance or loyalty to Zambia, or will he get away scot-free? Will you remove the treason offences from the current penal statutes?

ii. Obligations of Commander-in-Chief: As Commander-in-Chief, what safeguards do you envisage in the execution of this “dual citizenship”? As an alleged “multi-racial” country literary every race on planet earth has a right to lay claim to their inheritance of Zambia, even those coming from countries that promote terrorism. Even in the Bible you find a clear distinction between local or indigenous people and foreigners. Before you assent please make clear these distinctions which are intended to assure the survival of Zambians and to safeguard the security and sovereignty of the State. I petition you to facilitate such a consultative forum before you assent.

iii. Compensation of Citizens: Since citizens are obliged to defend the Constitution why should they be compensated for carrying out citizens’ obligations? Who will fight to defend Zambia if invaded by Martian forces if compensation be a condition precedent to national service? Is this a bribe enshrined in the Constitution? Will you do the same for, say, Whistle Blowers?

5. Land: God has stopped creating new lands. So it is a priority issue much, much more than 50 % and should take precedence at the beginning of the Constitution; we are Zambians because of land; our chiefs are chiefs because of land and its peoples; citizens should sacrifice to die for their land! Clause 262 (1) states inter alia, “land shall be held, used and managed in accordance with the following principles (c) recognition of indigenous cultural rites”. This is good; but how do you recognise ‘indigenous rites’ without recognising the actual indigenous tribes? The 73 tribes must be recognised in the Constitution. That said, Mr President, how do you intend to protect the indigenous populace, now that you are about to declare Zambia a ‘multi-racial’ nation, without any restrictions or clear and unambiguous definition of this declaration? With your open eyes please visit Mungule chiefdom and comment on what is happening there. The Nkomeshya chiefdom and maybe other areas are not spared. We have had the British people (our former colonisers) for many years before independence and after but we have not experienced this “Scramble for Zambia” as is now happening under the schemes of some of your so-called investors. Your Excellency, I petition you to facilitate such a consultative forum before you assent to the Constitution.

we have not experienced this “Scramble for Zambia” as is now happening under the schemes of some of your so-called investors

6. Political Parties:

a. Why must tax payers pay for private clubs called ‘political parties’? There is no justification. Since you have emphasised the need to reduce costs, is this not a contradiction? Please explain because your Minister did not raise this in his Second Reading statement and many such contradictions.
b. Why must a political party that has not filled in some administrative forms be dissolved? Is this not a breach or abridgement of the right to freedom of assembly and association already granted under Article 21 of the current Constitution?
c. What is the rationale for the 1000 threshold as presidential supporters? What does it prove if you have 1000 supporters when filing your candidature? Does this guarantee that those 1000 will vote for you? What will stop those with money to buy supporters the same way they buy votes? Why complicate our hard won democracy? Does it mean that promoters of 50 % plus one vote have no confidence in their scheme? Just leave it to voters to decide instead of creating artificial road blocks.

7. Defence and Security: literary nothing has been said about the continued existence and survival of our nation and state. The right time is now when the Constitution is being considered and before assent. Are you, Mr President, going to allow political parties to come into government with parallel Defence and Security structures as has happened in recent times?

8. SOURCE OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS FOR POLITICAL PARTIES:
a. This is a loophole where those with money, especially foreign interest groups, launder money to control which party wins elections. Beneficiaries of such dirty money become captive presidents. What is your position on this before you assent? Meditate with open eyes.
b. I am concerned about the First Family. What measures have you put in to ensure that our First Lady’s integrity is not compromised even if she may have “good intentions”? Better now than later during contentious litigation. The 2016 election has been imminent and you know it. Ignore the ECZ proclamation of an official campaign period; I contend that this has no force of law, otherwise those with devious minds can commit election offences with impunity. Let us protect the First Lady who may mean well, yet she is clearly on an election campaign mission. Do not listen to the usual praise-singers who are praising her; they will disappear as soon as they smell trouble.

9. MEDIA FREEDOM: this is a joke and you must surely know it Mr President! This is 50 years after independence and we are still quarrelling over access to public media. We have gone back to days of the One-Party State. Public media news used to be KK, Central Committee, Ministers, Party cadres, in that order and then a little about the rest. Today it is the same.

10. COMBINING THE REFERENDUM WITH THE 2016 ELECTIONS: Need I say more? This is another questionable scheme which must not be carried out. Do not take advantage of the majority uninformed and illiterate citizens! It is deceptive to have a “One answer referendum” when responding to serious constitutional issues such as amending Part III. Remember the literacy levels of most of our people; remember the one-sided coverage of news by special interest groups. Remember your Ministers preamble during the Second Reading which contradicts his “single answer” theory.

As you may be aware, Your Excellency, it is NEITHER AUTOMATIC NOR MANDATORY for you to assent to a Bill in the form it has been conveyed to you. The process requires careful examination and even consultation before assenting. Appending the Presidential signature completes the act of enactment! I appeal that you revisit your decision to sign with closed eyes, meaning without serious examination of the contents and/or even complaints. It is a serious and solemn constitutional duty for you to undertake with all your faculties at full throttle.

Last but not least, Your Excellency, if you are serious about your clarion call for unity, you should facilitate a national indaba so that we can engage one another as one family and seek to find a way out of the new ‘frontier’ you have designed for us since the reasons I have listed are NOT exhaustive. But as of now I am mainly concerned with your intention to assent to our Constitution blind-folded! Please revise this decision and engage us. Many of us mean well for our country. As a citizen I am at your beck and call and personally ready to clarify and/or amplify any issue raised should you deem this necessary. The nation is at an unclear cross roads; and yet your decision is a grave matter deserving serious attention. Your Excellency, unity can never be achieved by pronouncements; actions speak louder than words.

May the Lord richly bless you and give you the wisdom to consider the matters in the national interest. Peace be with you and your family.

GODFREY MIYANDA,
BRIGADIER GENERAL,
ONE OF MANY CONCERNED ZAMBIANS
[16TH DECEMBER 2015]

NB:

As this is a matter of public interest I shall make this paper available to the general public after delivery to your office. Your copy is the only one distributed for now. Other copies will be released a reasonable time after delivery to your office.
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Saboi Imboela
ZAMBIA AND ECZ HAVE GONE TO THE PUPPIES

TO all the Political parties that filed in today, I want to know who signed your adoption certificates. After failing to stop us using the fake NDC and its fake leader Sichula who was at the nomination centre, but embarrassed by the REAL NDC, ECZ claimed that the candidate’s adoption certificate was not signed by the SG of our party. Our team had to leave the place to get one signed by the SG. The SG, President, Elections Chairperson, etc, can sign the adoption certificate if mandated to do so by the party. EVEN the NDC Roan MP that we had had his adoption certificate signed by our current SG when he was National Youth Chairman at the time. But today ECZ shocked us by even requesting the person whose signature was on the certificate.

But as God would have it, during the time of getting the other certificate, we heard through the media that the PF were not allowed to file in. Unless the PF are not astute politicians, I expect them to fight this tooth and nail. And if they do, then there will be most likely refiling in of nominations soon.

Filing in of nominations is K15,000 and if anything happens and these nominations are nullified, ECZ doesn’t consider the money you paid but charge another K15,000. So for our two candidates we were looking at the possibility of paying K60,000 just as nomination fees.

So after all the ECZ machinations and them failing to stop us using their preplanned reasons, the truth of the matter is that, for us, it all came down to money. Our party doesn’t have the luxury of wasting such amounts on nominations that may not stick. But if there will be refilling we shall certainly file in. If all legal avenues due to the PF fail, then we shall ensure that we all support one opposition party and help them to go to Parliament. Because the truth is that the UPND is not popular in these two places of Kwacha and Kabushi and wheover the PF back in these two elections, they will win.

Saboi Imboela

President- NDC

The Constitutional Court has dismissed the urgent application by former Patriotic Front(PF) Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo and his former Kwacha counterpart Joseph Malanji to stay the nominations ahead of the by-elections in the two constituencies.

Judge Palan Mulonda has anchored his ruling on the premise that there is no prejudice that Mr. Lusambo and Mr. Malanji would suffer if the nominations are not stopped.

Judge Mulonda has set September 09, 2022, for hearing the substantive matter where Mr. Lusambo and Mr. Malanji have contested the decision of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to bar them from filing their nominations.

The two are being represented by Lusaka Lawyer Tutwa Ngulube Of Tutwa Ngulube and Company.

Solicitor General Marshall Muchende and other lawyers from the Attorney General’s Chamber are representing the state while the ECZ is being represented by its in-house lawyers.

The ECZ has cited article 72 sub-article four of Zambia’s Constitution as the ground for its decision not to accept Mr. Lusambo And Mr. Malanji’s nomination papers.

The provision states that a candidate who causes a by-election is not eligible to re-contest.

Meanwhile, Four candidates have successfully filled in their nominations as the UNIP candidate fell off for late arrival ahead of the Kabushi Parliamentary by-election in Ndola on the Copperbelt scheduled for 15th September 2022.

The Kabushi Seat fell vacant after the Constitutional Court upheld the High Court’s decision to nullify the election of Patriotic Front (PF”s) Bowman Lusambo over violence and bribery.

The successful candidates who presented their credentials before Kabushi Constituency returning officer Elias Mwalaba were Osius Telela of the Leadership Movement, UPND’s Bernard Kanengo, Richard Kalasa an independent candidate and Alfred Yombwe another independent candidate.

Mr. Lusambo saw his nomination rejected after it was declared invalid by Returning Officer Elias Mwalaba around 12:00 hours.

Mr. Mwalaba declared the nomination centre located at Lubuto Secondary School closed at 15:00 hours.

Earlier, the returning officer advised the successful candidates to adhere to the electoral code of conduct as they campaign in Kabushi.

Mr. Mwalaba cautioned candidates and their political parties to stick to the ECZ campaign time table ahead of the Kabushi Parliamentary by election.

He warned candidates against violence, intimidation and other electoral maul practices.

Meanwhile, UNIP candidate Kebby Kaseba failed to file his nomination in Kabushi Constituency after arriving late at the nomination centre.

Mr. Kaseba arrived at the nomination 40 minutes after it was officially closed.

He tried to plead with the returning officer saying he went to the bank to withdraw nomination fees after the party failed to adequately financially support him.

“Unfortunately, we had a lapse on finances. I was at the bank trying to draw some money so that I can balance hence my coming here late. I am sorry that I have delayed in coming. Under your jurisdiction if you can kindly consider my humble request that I file in my nomination,” Mr. Kaseba told the Returning Officer.

But Mr. Mwalaba vowed not to bend saying it was illegal to accept Mr. Kaseba nominations when he was late.

“Really, you have apologized and we have sympathized with you but the law cannot be one sided. We had a candidate here and we quoted the law, we invalidated the nomination. We are not going to be fair if we are going to go against the law and allow you inside because the law says if we close, we close. I think we ask you to bear with us in all fairness. Thank you so much,’ Mr. Mwalaba said.

Mr. Kaseba was seen leaving Lubuto Secondary School as one police officer escorted him out.The Kabushi nominations were peaceful as scores of police officers were deployed to preserve peace, law and order.

Over 30 uniformed police officers were deployed inside and outside the nomination center.

HON. CHIPOKA MULENGA SECURES LAND FOR THE VICTIMS OF KASOMPE DEMOLITION THROUGH A WELLWISHER
25th August, 2022
Following the demolition of illegal structures around kasompe airstrip by the Chingola local authority, Chingola member of Parliament who is also Minister of commerce trade and industry Hon. Chipoka Mulenga has secured land for the affected families.

The MP has immediately engaged the local authority to administer the said land to the victims on behalf of the well wisher and has asked the local authority to expedite the process. The land that is adjacent to kasompe airstrip and near Libonji resort is six (6) hectors in size and on title.

Addressing the affected families, the honourable Minister told the victims that he has never rested from the time the illegal structures were demolished because the Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichimba did instruct him to ensure that the affected families are secure in terms of alternative land ownership which is a long term benefit as well as a short term benefit particularly to those who were occupying their demolished but illegally constructed houses.

As a short and temporal measure, Hon. Mulenga informed demolition victims that those families who were already occupying their illegally built houses at the time of demolition will be temporarily camped at Chingola municipal council hostels situated near chiwempala market and some financial support will be given to each family by the DMMU.

The victims who did not hide their joy and happiness did send their profound gratitude to the Head of state Mr. Hakainde Hichilema through their member of parliament Hon. Chipoka Mulenga for the fatherly heart the head of state has shown to them.
Earlier, the Chingola municipal council Town Clerk Mrs. Namukolo Kalufyanya thanked the member of Parliament Hon. Mulenga for his commitment to ensuring that land for the affected kasompe airstrip demolition families is secured and she further thank the well-wisher for his unmatched generosity and asked God Almight for more blessings upon his life.

The MP has further captioned people and local authorities from engaging in any undocumented land dealings. He cautioned the gullible public from buying land from elected officials and party members of any political party but only from the Council through planning department after allocation by Council Surveyors.

The MP was accompanied by the UPND Chingola district Chairlady Mrs. Mary Nyirenda, her vice Ms. Queeze Faseka and the Chingola constituency Chairman Mr. Bishop Chingembu. Others were munsenga and mutenda ward Councilors Hons. Aaron Mbala and Himansa Hamalila respectively plus other party officials and members.
By
Maybin Sichimba
UPND Chingola district information and publicity secretary (IPS)

ConCourt refuses to stop ECZ from conducting Kabushi, Kwacha parliamentary nominations

By Mwaka Ndawa

THE Constitutional Court has declined an application by Joseph Malanji and Bowman Lusambo to stay ECZ’s decision to prevent them from filing in their nomination papers to re-contest the Kwacha and Kabushi parliamentary by-elections respectively because their election was declared invalid by the same court.

Constitutional Court judge Palan Mulonda who delivered an extempore ruling at 17:40 hours on Thursday ruled that no injustice will be occasioned to Malanji and Lusambo if ECZ’s decision is not hated and the court is competent to determine the matter before the scheduled date for elections.

“This court is alive to the fact that their apprehensions stem from the fact that both applicants who are potential candidates in the September 15 by-election will be politically ruined in that even if they were successful in the main matter nominations would have passed and elections would have been held, rendering the whole matter academic,” judge Mulonda said. “The matter at hand is capable of being determined and concluded way before the said election, a scenario that has not in any way prejudiced the applicants. I dismiss the applicants’ application for stay of execution.”

Judge Mulonda ruled that the court will on September 6 this year proceed to determine whether the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has the powers to interpret the Constitution and declare the duo ineligible to re-contest the Kwacha and Kabushi parliamentary by-election after the Constitutional Court endorsed the nullification of their election in the August 12, 2021general election by the High Court for engaging in electoral fraud and malpractices.

On August 24, 2022 the electoral body through it’s corporate affairs manager, issued a press statement indicating that it would not accept nomination of candidates who caused a vacancy in the national assembly as stipulated by Article 72(4) of the Constitution.

However, Malanji and Lusambo commenced a law suit against the State and the ECZ, seeking a determination on whether the decision of the electoral body datedAugust 24, 2022 was illegal, null and void.

They wanted the court to determine whether they were eligible to contest the parliamentary by-elections slated for September 15, 2022.

The two were also seeking a determination on whether fresh nominations should be conducted to allow them participate in the by-elections.

Lusambo and Malanji wabted the court to clarify what is meant by causing a vacancy in the National Assembly as stated in Article 72 of the Constitution.

In their affidavit in support of originating summons the two argued that ‘causing a vacancy’ does not mean ‘nullification’ and that ‘nullification’ is not causing a vacancy as interpreted by the ECZ because only the Constitutional Court can interpret the provisions of Article 72(4) referred to.

“Unless stayed by this court the decision of the ECZ may be carried out and the applicants may be blocked from participating in the elections and may not only be discriminated but disenfranchised,” the duo said. “The decision is illegal on the face of it, this court can stay the execution of the said decision pending final determination of the matter before the court. Unless the power to interpret the Constition is expressly given to them, the respondents have no jurisdiction to interprete the law to disqualify a candidate who has lost a seat in an election.”

They said the ECZ had exceeded its constitutional mandate and authority by interpreting the provisions of Article 72 (4) of the Constitution.

“The respondents have no mandate to interpret the Constitution and they cannot on their own disqualify a candidate who lost a seat through an election petition,” Malanji and Lusambo insisted. “The Consitution is very clear in that it has prescribed the powers of the Constitutional Court as well as the mandate of the ECZ.”

They added that the court did not disquality them from contesting in the by-election and the ECZ in its press statement has acted in excess of its mandate.

“The Constitutional Court has jurisdiction to determine the matter as it is the only institution mandated by law to either disqualify a candidate at the time of nullification of his parliamentary seat or to interpret the provisions of the Constifution,” said Malanji and Lusambo.

Judge Mulonda ordered the respondents to file their response by Monday and further indicate that the court will render an abridged judgement on September 7.

LUSAMBO AND MALANJI REJECT DECISION BY ECZ NOT TO ACCEPT THEIR NOMINATION PAPERS

By Lukundo Nankamba and Michael Kaluba

Former Kabushi and Kwacha Members of Parliament Bowman Lusambo and Joseph Malanji have rejected the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia-ECZ- not to accept their nomination ahead of today’s filing in of nominations for the forthcoming Kabushi and Kwacha constituency by-elections next month.

The ECZ has announced that in line with article 72 (4) of the constitution of Zambia amendment act no. 2 of 2016, it cannot accept nominations from any candidate who caused a vacancy in the National Assembly.

The duo has however argued this decision by the commission saying it is unacceptable and contradicts the law.

In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Lusambo says he will not allow to be taken advantage of in a democratic country like Zambia further stating that the ECZ has no right to interpret the law in whichever way they deem suitable to their convenience.

And former Kwacha Member of Parliament Joseph Malanji says he is aware that the decision by the ECZ has been politically motivated and says this case will not be silenced until justice prevails.

Mr. Malanji wonders how the ECZ in the 2021 elections accepted his grade 12 certificate but today have the audacity to make such a pronouncement which is out of context.

Meanwhile, the Law Association of Zambia-LAZ has opposed the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia-ECZ not to accept nominations from any candidate who caused a vacancy in the national assembly, saying Mr. Lusambo was not disqualified by the courts of law.

LAZ also says in so far as eligibility following nullification on the lack of a grade 12 certificate as determined by the constitutional court in the matter of Joseph Malanji vs Charles Abel Mulenga and the ECZ 2021/ccz/a0021, Mr. Malanji’s eligibility will depend on whether he possesses a grade 12 certificate at the time of filing of nominations today.

LAZ President Lungisani Zulu says the association`s perusal of the decision in the Lusambo v Kanengo case reveals that the court merely nullified the seat without disqualifying Mr. Lusambo in the election petition as precedence in a similar matter set that a nullification of a seat by the court is distinct and not the same thing as disqualification of a person.

And Green Party Leader Peter Sinkamba says the ECZ has no power to disqualify a candidate before they file nomination papers and has described this decision as unconstitutional and dangerous precedence, which unless overturned, can lead to breakdown of law and order in future.

Mr. Sinkamba is therefore urging the two candidates to proceed with filing their nominations today, and if their nomination papers are rejected, petition the decision in the constitutional court because neither articles 70 nor 72 disqualify them to contest this election.

He argues that the constitutional provision which empowers ECZ to accept or reject the participation of candidates in an election is article 52 (2), therefore, the decision to disqualify Mr. Malanji and Mr. Lusambo before they file their nomination papers is unconstitutional.

PHOENIX NEWS

BOWMAN LUSAMBOS NOMINATION PAPERS REJECTED
By Michael Kaluba/Tinkerbel Mwila

Opposition Patriotic Front candidate in the Kabushi parliamentary by-election Bowman Lusambo’s nomination has been rejected.

Electoral Commission of Zambia –ECZ- Kabushi by-election returning officer Elias Mwalaba informed Mr. Lusambo that the nomination was invalid following the nullification of the seat he was vying for, making him ineligible to contest the seat.

And speaking to journalists after his nomination was rejected, Mr. Lusambo said he will fight this decision until his face appears on the ballot paper on 15th September 2022.

And PF Ndola District Chairman Benjamin Chitondo says the next course of action will be communicated before the end of the day after consultation with top party leadership.

Earlier, UPND candidate in the Kabushi by-election Bernard Kanengo successfully filed in his nominations, making him the only one to file in his nominations out of the 6 parliamentary candidates vying for the seat.

Speaking after successfully filing in the nomination, Mr. Kanengo pledged to conduct peaceful campaigns.

And in Kwacha constituency in Kitwe, only the UPND candidate Charles Mulenga has so far successfully filed in his nomination for the vacant national assembly seat.

Speaking after filing his nomination at river rain combined school in Kitwe, Mr. Mulenga declared himself the strongest candidate among those contesting for the seat and has pledged to enhance agriculture, job creation and the welfare of residents in Kwacha constituency.

Earlier, Leadership Movement candidate Professor Oliver Silumbe, who was scheduled to file his nomination at 9:00 hours, could not complete the process by 10 hours due to lack of certified copies of his voters card and National Registration Card.

He is expected to return later to complete the process while National Democratic Congress-NDC- candidate Nicholas Chali stormed out of the nomination center saying his slot was rescheduled to 14:50 hours.

Meanwhile, the opposition Patriotic Front is scheduled to present its candidate Joseph Malanji for nomination at 14:00 hours today, amidst ongoing controversy regarding his eligibility, whose seat was nullified.

In a related development, UPND spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has charged that the decision by the socialist Party to back the PF in the forthcoming Kabushi and Kwacha Constituency by-elections is due to the failure by the opposition political party to find a competitive candidate to stand on its ticket.

Addressing the media in Lusaka today, Mr. Mweetwa who has challenged the socialist party to tell the nation the real reasons for supporting the PF, wonders how the party can support PF which it recently said was the most corrupt party in the country.
PHOENIX NEWS

OK IN LIFE KUKOSA.
By Chanda John Chimba

I remember one time around 2018, I approached a certain minister then to ask for empowerment, not hand out but empowerment. I sat at his office for over 5 hours and he came out and said , I have been called to state house by the boss ( President LUNGU) I have to rush but escort me to the car.

I walked down with him to his car and he asked me what do you want me to do for you CHIMBA , I said, all I want is empowerment, some business opportunity so that I can be financially independent and not depend on others for things like rent and upkeep, he confidently said to me, come back to my office tomorrow 8 hrs, come with all your company documents, I will introduce you to some friends in the business world so that they can help you.

He then touched his pockets and removed about $200 and gave it to me, I refused , I said if I get that money Honourable you will forget the bigger help I asked for you will think you have helped me with a hand out so I won’t take it, I will wait for tomorrow and come and see you. As much as the $200 was tempting and I was so broke I stood my ground and didn’t get it.

I went home put all documents together and got ready for the next day, I remember taking a bus from Kabwata to the ministers office, I was there by 07:45, by 8 hrs his secretary opened the doors to the ministers office. I was one of the first ones there, the secretary then asked me how she could help me. I told her I had an appointment with the minister. She then told me to say;

“ I saw you walk out with him yesterday, I thought he told you that he was flying out of the country to Europe just as you walked out with him yesterday “ I was shocked , I told her he told me the minister told me that he has been called to state house by the “Boss” and asked me to see him today with these documents. She then smiled and said, he lied, he is on his way to Europe right now . I was so angry with the minister and felt stupid.

I walked back to Kabwata with so much anger and thinking, I should have just got that $200..

I texted the minister a few days later saying Hon, you asked me to come to your office following day knowing that you won’t be around, why ?

His response was ; lol, walikana $200.

Most of you think our stay in PF was all nice rosy and full of enjoyment. No it was crazy . We went through a lot to a point were we got so frustrated.

PF FUNDERS HAVE RUN AWAY BECAUSE UPND IS HARASSING THEM – FORMER PF SG MWILA.

FORMER PF secretary general Davies Mwila has lamented that all the people who used to give the former ruling party money have run away because UPND is harassing them.

In an interview, Mwila said PF funders were being intimidated and had since gone into hiding.

He, however, said the expectation was that those who still liked the party would raise money for the general conference slated for March 2023.

“All the people who were giving us money have run away because UPND is harassing them. They are being harassed so all of them have hidden,” Mwila lamented.

“Those are African politics. Unless it was an enemy in America or UK, the same funders can stay but in Africa, they have run away. They are being intimidated and being harassed so they’ve run away. Of course, we will have one or two well wishers and people will come on board.

We cannot just be completely without anyone. It’s not possible because people like the party. They still want PF. So they have to come on board and help financially. That is what we expect. That is why we have enough time to raise money.”
Meanwhile, Mwila advised party members to be patient because PF did not want to make a mistake in choosing its new leader.

“There’s an acting president of the party and when we want to replace him, we don’t have to be in a hurry. We don’t want to make a mistake. We want to do a better job. That’s more of a reason March 2023, we will be able to scrutinise all those that want to be president. So we cannot be in a hurry. The one that we are going to elect is the one we will go with in the 2026 general elections. So in terms of the process, we have to be cautious and we cannot be in a hurry. So we’re on the right track as far as the party is concerned and people should not be in a hurry,” said Mwila.

“On the finances, that’s why we gave ourselves March in order to raise money that is required for the general conference. For example, part of the money that will be raised from the fees will go to the general conference. So if we’re going to have six candidates, we’re going to raise 1.2 million. So that is a starting point and members will start contributing and by March, we will be ready as a party for the general conference. So let them be cautious and patient.”

(Credit: News Diggers)

CIRCUMVENTING OUR CONSTITUTION – A VERY SERIOUS THREAT TO OUR GROWING DEMOCRACY

25th August 2022 —- The New Heritage Party is greatly concerned and disturbed at the recent attempts by the UPND through it’s surrogate individuals and or institutions to eliminate participation of some candidates in the upcoming Kabushi and Kwacha constituencies.

The New Heritage Party expects the ruling party to uphold and protect our constitution, as it is the supreme national guiding and impartial tool.

The Law Association of Zambia has cited the law, which clearly states that the said candidates’ participation in the upcoming by elections is valid. We urge the UPND and its surrogates to respect the professional views on the matter as espoused by the Law Association of Zambia.

The New Heritage Party expects the Electoral Commission of Zambia to remain neutral and uncompromised as it discharges the role of election management on behalf of the people. The Commission must never involve itself in political frays nor be seen to be siding with any one side as doing so will certainly lead to erosion of public trust and confidence in the Commission’s ability to manage the electoral processes with impartiality.

The path the ruling party wants to set our country onto is extremely dangerous and must not be left to set sail, as it will destroy the fabric of our young democracy that our forefathers and mothers sacrificed so much for.

The New Heritage Party condemns the attempts to turn Zambia into a de facto one party state. We expect the ruling party to respect the rule of law.

We urge the Zambian citizens to be more vigilant in protecting and nurturing our growing democracy by standing up against all schemes that attempt to erode the foundation of our national unity, peace and harmony.

This issue is not about Malanji and Lusambo. We must look at the wider effects on the nation. When decisions are made to target certain individuals, then we do ourselves a disservice as a nation. Remember the Parentage Clause and the issue of theft of motor vehicles being non-bailable. These laws were made to target specific individuals but ended up affecting and inconveniencing the whole nation and for all time.

May the spirit of ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION continue to flourish in our land.

God bless Zambia.

#LetZambiansWin.

Chishala Kateka
President – New Heritage Party

THE Concourt and it’s judgements.

By Pilato

Okay to start with, I am not a lawyer and I do not intend to sound like one. But since all of us are expected to follow the law even if we are not lawyers, allow me to express my thoughts on the ECZ and the Malanji and Lusambo issue.

I have read the provisions of the constitution quoted by ECZ in their statement and have read the Concourt judgement in the addressing the matter. I have also read the statement by LAZ and my conclusion is that the Concourt is deliberately neglecting its responsibility to provide solutions to constitutional questions in this country. I draw this conclusion by looking at the following;

The Concourt has not in its judgement disqualified Mr Bowman Lusambo or Mr Joe Malanji. The judgement says nullified. The question is, does the nullification of an election equal the disqualification of the candidate that won in the said election?

The Concourt ruled that Lusambo’s election was procured by fraud and was marred with violence. The Kabushi was nullified on grounds of electoral malpractices.

In Article 72 (2) (c) of the Zambian constitution speaks of a code of conduct. Is this the electoral code of conduct or the parliamentary and ministerial code of conduct?

I think the Concourt should be specific in responding to constitutional questions to avoid the confusion generated by their judgements.

So now we are left to use our creativity to figure out what the Concourt meant in its judgement.

On the other hand the ECZ have interpreted the “nullification” of the elections of Mr Bowman Lusambo and Mr Malanji as to mean disqualification.

On what grounds can one be disqualified from an election? Article 70 (2) does provide the grounds on which one can be disqualified participating in parliamentary elections. I think the established grounds on which one can be disqualified does not apply to Lusambo and Mr Malanji.

I think the duty is on the Concourt to come back to the people and tell us if by “nullification” they meant disqualification.

I think that the move by ECZ to reject nominations from the two PF members is baseless especially if it’s by the constitutional provisions they have indicated in their statement. The Concourt judgment does not state whether the two members of the PF are disqualified or not but that their elections were nullified.

We may have issues with the PF as a party and may not even like Mr Bowman Lusambo and Mr Joe Malanji but we should guard against destroying ourselves in dealing with their sins. We do not have to become the evil we are trying to cure. We must get back to the Concourt as soon as possible and get a clear position on this matter.

ECZ ON FIRM GROUND NOT TO ACCEPT MALANJI AND BOWMAN’S NOMINATIONS

LAZ is citing wrong Articles instead of speaking to the cited Article cited by the ECZ.

ECZ has not used the word disqualification as a reason for not accepting the papers of the duo but for causing a vacancy by the decision of the court as provided for in Art 72(4)

LAZ is speaking to the obvious which point is correct and i agree with that the court did not disqualify the duo but its DECISION caused a vacancy in the office of the MP.

And the Constitution demands that such a decision of the court that causes a vacancy in the office of the MP entails that the affected MP can’t recontest for the rest of the life that parliament.

This is why the ECZ was cautious not to include Lawrence shawa for Luangwa because he is not affected by the Constitution provision of Art 72(4).

For him it is Art 52(4) that will be invoked should he dare to file in tomorrow.

Even if ECZ did not invoke Art 72(4) on the duo, and allowed them to file in, ECZ would still have power to invoked Art 52 (2) which empowers it to reject nomination for not meeting the Constitutional requirements and qualifications.

Clause 2 of Art 52 guides that a A Returning Officer [ECZ] shall, immediately on the filing of a nomination paper, in accordance with clause (1), DULY REJECT the
nomination paper if the candidate does not meet the qualifications or procedural requirements specified for election to that office

Ecz is, under Art 52(2) empowered to REJECT any nomination of any candidate.

If ECZ would not have done that i.e. invoking the cited ARTICLES, as citizens, we would have invoked the provisions in Article 52(4) and (6) and the results would still have been the same, probably.

ECZ is on firm ground because it has not interpreted the Constitution of Zambia but has just enforced it.

So the argument that ECZ has interpreted the Constitution is false and misleading.

ECZ even helped other candidates from paying twice nomination fees had it gone ahead to accept nominations from the duo and later be petitioned.

I submit

McDonald Chipenzi

Opposition Political Party stakeholders have expressed divergent views when congratulating a renowned lawyer Kelvin Bwalya Fube popularly known as KBF for launching the Zambia Must Prosper Political Party.

The Socialist Party President Fred M’membe sent a congratulatory message to Mr Fube on behalf of the leadership and membership of his Party, stating that the country needs more voices, representation and political parties.

“What our country needs is more unity in diversity and patriotism and I wish Mr Fube all the best,” Mr M’membe stated

And Patriots for Economic Progress (PEP) President Sean Tembo stated that one strange thing that came out of Mr Fube’s Political Launch yesterday is that, he declared to fix President Hakainde Hichilema in whatever way he wishes, despite Zambia being a Democratic Republic, there is no sane person who can form a political party to fix a person unlike Problems Zambians are facing.

Mr Tembo mentioned that to start with, why would someone form a Political Party to fix an individual and the questions Mr Fube should answer are that, why fixing President Hichilema instead of coming up with a Plan for a country.

He added that according to Mr Fube, he wants to fix President Hichilema for issues such as increasing the Constituency Development Funds (CDF), employing 11,400 plus health workers, employing 30,490 teachers, and introducing freedom of movement and association.

“If these among others are the reasons why Mr Bwalya wants to ‘fix’ the ‘Fixer’ then, he is in Politics for wrong reasons,” he said

Mr Tembo said that Zambians need a Political Party that will enhance the fundamental principles of the fresh air that has been given by President Hichilema.

He added that today, Political Parties are freely wearing their party regalia in public without being harassed, civil servants are commenting on political matters without being beaten by cadres, and Political Leaders are insulting the President without being arrested, so why must we go back? Mr Tembo asked

“How about coming up with a Political Party to further reduce the cost of living, employ more youths, give investor confidence and others,” he said

Mr Tembo cited that clearly, Mr Fube seems to be in politics for personal vendettas and frustrations.

Meanwhile, Patriotic Front (PF) Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa noted that the formation of a political party by Mr Fube is a noble political venture that he has embarked on and only him is the master of his destiny.

Mr Sampa said that stranger than fiction that Mr Fube’s political disposition has been with both the current President Hakainde Hichilema and the former President Edgar Lungu.

“The congratulatory message from his now arch rival President HH is indeed very magnanimous,” he said

He cited that there is no need for him to remind Mr Fube on how his political party was deregistered within a week of being launched in 2014 post Sata’s death and the PF Mulungushi convention.

“All I can say is congratulations to KBF for having successfully launched his party Zambia Must Prosper yesterday,” he cited

Mr Sampa highlighted that the intra and inter party democracy does not only have to flourish, but has to be seen to flourish, thus the voice of the majority ordinary masses must be allowed to prevail freely without undue interference, be it through abuse of the judiciary.

Kelvin Bwalya Fube who’s popularly known as KBF launched his projected Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP) political party yesterday at Mulungushi Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Centre.

Speaking during the launch of the political party, Mr Fube highlighted that he has plans of contesting in the 2026 General Elections as his newly launched party is no longer part of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Alliance.

He has criticized that the UPND Government has failed to make decisions aimed at reducing the high cost of living Zambians have been subjected to since assuming office.

Mr Fube has since urged Zambians to begin preparing for a leadership change that will enable them to jump out of poverty.

He said that Zambians should not be treated to rhetoric leadership with no clear-cut plan to create jobs for ordinary people.

Mr Fube, a former member of the Patriotic Front the former ruling party, was among other political parties who came on board to form the UPND Alliance and championed for regime change during the 2021 General Elections which saw the UPND emerge victorious, though he has been in the background until now when he has re-launched the Zambia Must Prosper Political Party.

Mr Fube has therefore called on Zambians especially the youths to stop relying on free things and accompany him in establishing the new Zambia with ideas that can change their livelihood and lifestyles for the better.

The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) have announced the re-adoption of Bernard Kanengo as the party’s candidate in next month’s Kabushi Parliamentary by-election.

UPND Chairperson for Election Garry Nkombo has further announced that UPND has re-adopted Charles Mulenga for the Kwacha Constituency Parliamentary by Elections.

Mr. Nkombo has told a media briefing in Ndola that UPND is expecting free and fair elections in Kabushi and Kwacha.

He urged the party in Kwacha and Kabushi to campaign vigorously.

The PF has re-adopted Bowman Lusambo for the Kabushi by Election and Joseph Malanji for the Kwacha by Election.

“Allow to firstly, profusely thank all the candidates that applied to run on our UPND ticket. In Kwacha there were seven and we have gone through the filtration process. I want to publicly thank them (aspirants) for walking with us up to this point of the selection of the successful candidate and the party owes you. For Kwacha Constituency the UPND has settled for Mr. Charles Able Mulenga. The UPND has settled for Mr. Charles Able Mulenga. Mr. Mulenga,” Mr. Nkombo said.

Mr. Nkombo also thanked people who applied to contest the two by election on the UPND ticket.

Mr. Kanengo declared that the people of Kabushi have an opportunity to elect a Member of Parliament in a free and fair manner.

“First and foremost I want to thank the party from grassroots level up to the National Management Committee for the support they have rendered to me from the time of elections in 2021 up to now. I also want to appreciate my fellow aspiring candidates we fought together with in Kabushi Constituency to bring justice to the people of Kabushi. Lastly, I must thank the people of Kabushi and congratulate them that they have another opportunity to elect a member of parliament of their choice without violence, without malpractices that happened previously in 2021,” Mr. Kanengo said.

The Kabushi and Kwacha Seats fell vacant after the High Court nullified the election of Mr. Lusambo and Mr. Malanji in the 2021 General Elections.

Inspector General of Police Lemmy Kajoba says his personnel is ready ahead of the forthcoming by-elections slated for September 15, 2022 in Kabushi and Kwacha constituencies, respectively on the Copperbelt province.

And the Inspector General of police has assured the nation that the issue concerning the gassing of people across the nation will not be left alone until a logical conclusion is attained.

The Kabushi and Kwacha Constituency seats held by Bowman Lusambo and Joseph Malanji , respectively, fell vacant after the Constitutional Court nullified the results after a petition.

Mr. Kajoba said the police has constituted a team to ensure that certain individuals who were involved in gassing of people on the Copperbelt are held accountable for what happened to most Zambians.

Inspector General said when he paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt province Minister Elisha Matambo that the police will ensure that peace prevails while law and order is maintained , during campaigns and after elections.

“As you are aware, Copperbelt province will be going to the polls in the two by-elections in Kabushi and Kwacha constituencies respectively.

“ My coming here is also to prepare the ground and plan on how best we are going to police the two by-elections,” he said.

The Inspector General of Police added that elections attract a hive of activities which sometimes culminates into electoral violence and other electoral related crimes.

Zambia police as an institution tasked with the responsibility to preserve peace, maintain law and order, they are more than ready to stop such bad vices.

Policing an election is not an easy undertaking and it takes critical planning and preparations if a violent free election is to be delivered which is a key prerequisite to free and fair elections in line with the democratic tenets.

“We will mobilize and deploy adequate numbers of officers to ensure police presence as a proactive measure of preserving peace.

“ In doing so, we are going to divide constituencies into smaller and manageable zones to easily conduct foot and motorized patrols in an effort to enhance police presence,” he said.

He said the police preparedness will be able to facilitate free and fair by-elections in terms of security for the people in the two constituencies to freely exercise their democratic rights.

And addressing police officers at Levy Mwanawasa , Inspector General Kajoba reminded them of their professional ethics and conduct saying they were the fiber of the Zambia police service.