Foundation for Democratic Process FODEP says the just ended Kasama Central Parliamentary By-elections were characterized with violence, electoral malpractices and breaches of the Code of conduct by political players.

FODEP Information Officer McDonald Chipenzi says his organization observed that the elections were characterized by malpractices which included vote buying.
He said that the campaigns were also marred with tribalism, racism, and pulling down of the candidates’ portraits which is contrary to the provisions of code of conduct and the Constitution.

Mr. Chipenzi, however, said FODEP is happy that the poll day was peaceful and the casting of votes proceeded without any major disruptions.
He said the election results were accepted by all participating parties despite the numerous malpractices that characterized the pre-election period.

Mr. Chipenzi disclosed that the losing candidates accepted defeat and congratulated UPND-PF pact for retaining the seat in Kasama adding that this is a good sign of maturity and can enhance Zambia’s democratic tenets.

He said FODEP is hopeful that the newly elected Member of Parliament will serve the people of Kasama Central and contribute effectively to the development of the constituency.
He noted that there was need for the new MP to promote unity and reconciliation among his electorates.

Meanwhile FODEP has advised all political parties taking part in the forthcoming Solwezi Central parliamentary by –elections to desist from politics of violence, insults,mudslinging and false promises.

Mr. Chipenzi said there is need for the participating political parties to base their campaigns on issues affecting the people in Solwezi central.
He noted that all parties should address the issues of unplanned settlement and increasing HIV/AIDS prevalence rates, road infrastructure and how to utilize agriculture potential in the area.

“FODEP feels that such issues should be discussed by all political parties taking part in the area in other fora as opposed to waiting for by-elections,” said Mr. Chipenzi.

He said FODEP expects all political players to co-exist regardless of their political, religious and tribal inclinations.
ZANIS

The Lusaka City Council (LCC) says it will continue demolishing illegal structures in the city.

Council Assistant Public Relations Manager Habeenzu Mulunda says this is because of the rampant proliferation of such structures in Lusaka.

Mr. Mulunda told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that it is unfortunate that some people have continued to perpetuate the act knowing fully well that it is against the law.

The Council Assistant Public Relations Manager said Lusaka City had continued looking untidy most because of some of the illegal structures.

Mr. Mulunda said the Council would ensure that only legal structures remain to avoid situations where people put up buildings on top of water service pipe lines and electricity cables.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mulunda has called on members of the general public to report any suspected illegal structures in the city.

He said once the Council receives reports of any illegal structure the local authority would not hesitate to swing into action to demolish.

He said members of the general public have not been helpful in reporting such matters and appealed to them to be proactive.

Mr. Mulunda said this is important because it is not possible for the council alone to monitor the activities of people around the city.

He appealed to all Lusaka residents to consult the council and follow the right channel of obtaining land to avoid inconveniences.

Mr. Mulunda warned that said the council would not compensate owners of illegal structure once they are demolished.

[ZANIS]

President Rupiah Banda is today expected on the Copperbelt Province where he is scheduled to officially open the Copper Smelter at Chambishi Copper Refinery in Chambishi.

According to a programme released by the Provincial Administration in Ndola yesterday, the President was expected to touch down at South Downs Airport in Kalulushi at 08:00hours.

He will then proceed to the Chambishi Copper Smelter where he will be received by the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia and some senior government officials.

President Banda is among other things expected to unveil the footstone of the plant and tour the plant.

He will then have a private lunch at Itimpi in Kitwe after which he is expected to depart for Lusaka from South Downs Airport.

ZANIS

Government has passionately appealed to Zambians to use the country’s 45th independence celebrations to promote unity in diversity.

Chief Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha said unity in diversity was one sure way of honouring heroes that fought for the political independence of Zambia.

Lt.Gen Shikapwasha said this when he launched the 2009 independence week on the national broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) last evening.

He urged Zambians in the political, social and religious realms to put aside their differences and celebrate independence with the oneness it deserves.

He called on political parties, civil society and religious groupings to mobilize their members and celebrate the independence anniversary in peace and unity.

Lt. Gen Shikapwasha, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, said unity in diversity was an effective recipe for achieving economic independence, which the country so much desires.
He appealed for the preservation of the unity and peace which Zambia has enjoyed in the last 45 years of political independence.

Zambia celebrates her 45th independence anniversary on October 24th.

ZANIS

PRESIDENT Banda’s lawyer Christopher Mundia says he will resume contempt of court proceedings against Post editor-in-chief Fred M’membe in the Lusaka High Court.

This follows the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the Post’s appeal in a case in which Mr Banda sued the company for defamation of character and contempt of court.

“We are going to apply to the court for new dates of hearing contempt proceedings. As soon as the court gives us fresh dates, the case will resume,” Mr Mundia said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday.
Last Friday, the Supreme Court dismissed the whole appeal with costs to Mr Banda on grounds that it has no merit.

The appeal was against Lusaka High Court Judge Charles Kajimanaga’s ruling which dismissed two preliminary issues raised by The Post in contempt proceedings against M’membe.

On September 26, 2008 Mr Banda, who was acting President then, filed a writ of summons and statement of claim in the High Court to seek damages for defamation by The Post.

Through Mr Mundia, Mr Banda simultaneously applied for an ex parte order of interlocutory injunction to restrain The Post from publishing libellous words against him.

The ex parte order was granted on September 27, 2009, but the next day the newspaper published allegedly defamatory articles, which were perceived to be a defiance and disregard of the injunction order the court granted earlier on.

Mr Mundia then filed summons for leave to commence contempt proceedings against M’membe.

But on October 2, 2008 The Post, through its lawyers George Chisanga and Remmy Mainza, raised two preliminary issues.

The first preliminary issue was whether it was proper for Mr Mundia to swear to the affidavit on behalf of Mr Banda in such a highly contentious matter.

The second was whether the ex parte order for leave to commence contempt proceedings, granted to Mr Banda, must be vacated on grounds that such an order is provisional and is liable to be vacated on sufficient grounds.

In his ruling, Mr Justice Kajimanga said he was satisfied that the affidavit in support of an ex parte application for leave to commence committal proceedings was properly deposed and he accordingly dismissed the preliminary issues.

This prompted Mr Mainza and Mr Chisanga to appeal to the Supreme Court where Mr Justice Silomba and Supreme Court Judge Peter Chitengi heard the appeal.

In his judgement, Mr Justice Silomba said the Supreme Court clearly understood that Mr Mundia’s application for leave to commence contempt proceedings against M’membe was in compliance with procedure under Rule 2(1), (2) and (3) of the Supreme Court Rules.

[Zambia Daily Mail]