ECZ Decision To Lift Kambwili’s Suspension Is A Betrayal – Kawana

United Party for National Development (UPND) Alliance Media Director Thabo Kawana has said that the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to lift the campaign ban on Chishimba Kambwili is a betrayal on Dr Kenneth Kaunda’s legacy. 

During his time as president, Dr Kaunda stood against tribalism and hate speech in the country, a legacy which many had hoped would last for many years to come to help encourage peace within the country.

Mr Kawana has said that the decision made by the ECZ clarifies suspicions that the electoral body is affiliated with the Patriotic Front (PF), rather than being the independent organisation that it claims to be.

“The ECZ’s decision is a sign of betrayal because barely we put Dr Kaunda to rest, who is a man who stood against tribalism and hate speech in the country, yet Kambwili has been going round spewing hate speech. That is why we reported him and that is why the ECZ found it fit to suspend him,” Mr Kawana said.

The media director was, however, confident that the police would look into the case as Mr Kambwili had committed a criminal offence. The Law Association of Zambia has said that it is a criminal offence to utter sentiments that ridicule certain tribes or ethnic grouping under section 71 of the penal code. Anyone found guilty is liable to imprisonment for at least two years.

Photo: Lusaka Times