Africa-Press – Zambia. LAWYER Dickson Jere says he opposed the interpretation by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) that independent candidates should not be affiliated to any political party of their choice.
ECZ has reminded all independent candidates for the forthcoming general election that they should not be affiliated to any political party. But Mr Jere says being independent does not stop one from supporting any presidential candidate of choice or political party.
“The law merely require one not to be member of political party. You do not need to belong to political party in order to support a political party! So, independent parliamentary candidate can choose to support UPND councillor but also PF Presidential candidate at same time! Independent candidate is a freelancer,” he said
ECZ corporate affairs manager Patricia Luhanga said this is in line with the legal requirements, should stipulates that all independent candidates should relinquished political party membership “at least two months immediately before the date of the election.”
“To this end, independent candidates should desist from using campaign materials for political parties or in any way identify themselves with any political party,” she said Ms Luhanga said the commission will not hesitate to take appropriate action including disqualification of erring candidates.
