UPND spokesperson, Charles Kakoma, said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that chiefs and other traditional rulers were supposed to remain non-partisan because they were custodians of all, regardless of political affiliation.
Mr Kakoma said although chiefs had their individual right to vote, traditional rulers were not supposed to campaign for anyone, as that would erode their importance in society, especially in the eyes of other politicians.
Mr Kakoma was commenting on the resolutions by more than 40 chiefs from Southern Province and more from other parts of Zambia to support the acting President, Rupiah Banda’s candidature.
While we respect our traditional rulers, the statement by Chief Nalubamba that chiefs in the province support the candidature of the MMD presidential candidate, Rupiah Banda, is partisan and contrary to the Constitution of Zambia and our traditional beliefs and culture.
We are aware that these chiefs are the ones that supported the third term of former President Chiluba. We are also aware that in 2001 and 2006 these same chiefs issued statements in support of the late President Dr Mwanawasa, he said. – Times of Zambia