North western chiefs win praise for being non-partisan
The Anti Voter Apathy Project, (AVAP) has commended chiefs in Solwezi for not involving themselves in the ongoing political campaigns for the November 19, 2009, parliamentary by-elections in Solwezi.
AVAP Executive Director, Bonnie Tembo, expressed happiness that all the chiefs in the district have not participated in any of the political rallies that have been conducted by various political parties to drum up support for their candidates in Solwezi Central parliamentary by-election.
Mr. Tembo said there was need for traditional leaders to maintain their dignity because they were the custodians of traditional heritage in the country.
He told ZANIS in Lusaka today that other chief in the country should emulate their counterparts in Solwezi.
Mr. Tembo further said there was need for all political parties not to ferry cadres from areas outside a constituency where there is a by-election.
He also asked political parties to educate their cadres not to involve themselves into violent activities and to disarm them cadres and ensure that they did not carry pangas during campaigns.
He noted that the people who were causing violence were not those from Solwezi but those from outside.
Mr. Tembo also since challenged all political parties to desist from calling each other names but urged them to articulate real issues that affect the living standards of people in that particular constituency.
He has meanwhile, expressed fear that the Solwezi by-elections might be characterized by voter apathy if the heavy rains currently experienced continue up to the polling day.
The Solwezi parliamentary seat fell vacant after the death of Ben Tetamashimba, who was Member of Parliament under the MMD ticket over a month ago.
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CORRECTION CHICAGO CITY.
Mwata Kazembe is not a Paramount Chief but a Senior Chief. The Paramount Chiefs in Zambia are Chitimukulu, Mpezeni, Kalonga Gawa Undi while Litunga is Paramount King as per Barotse aggreement. Ask the British.
The Litunga and Mwata Kazembe are the stongest paramount chiefs in Zambia. Mupenzi once said AIDS would not finish because INANKALA PACHAKUDIA (it is sat on food)and Chitimukulu quarrels with ‘boys’. These last two chiefs are mostly respected by tribalmates.
In other words they are not supporting MMD!
For sure other Chiefs should emulate their colleagues from North- Western Province. They are a disgrace
Thy Royal Highnesses, thou shou keep away from politics. Thy shou conduct thy self befitting of a king. Thy shou embrace any government of the day. Thy royal hignesses are not politicians but royal establishments, act like the Litunga.
thats how chiesf shud be ..unlike those chaps who call themselves cheifs and paraded…vbiva pact!!
AVAP Executive Director, Bonnie Tembo, expressed happiness that all the chiefs in the district have not participated in any of the political rallies that have been conducted by various political parties to drum up support for their candidates in Solwezi Central parliamentary by-election.
Mr. Tembo said there was need for traditional leaders to maintain their dignity because they were the custodians of traditional heritage in the country.
Just wondering of this statement is true Mr. Tembo. How about chiefs who were reported supporting the ruling party, are they not from the named province? Anyway, the issue of violence is supported by RB and his Minions because they were the ones who started by getting cadres from lusaka and then others just responded to that in order to protect themselves too from cruel MMD thugs.
However, we shall see the outcome of the results!