PF Explains Simbyakula’s Presence in South Africa The ruling Patriotic Front has responded to concerns over Home Affairs Minister Ngosa Simbyakula being the representative of the ruling party in South Africa at the printing of ballot papers. PF Secretary General Davies Chama said that there was nothing sinister with Simbyakula representing the ruling party as he was a member of the ruling party. Chama said that Simbyakula had taken leave from his official duties and could take up any duties assigned to him by the party president Edgar Lungu. Below is the full statement: MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, 6TH JANUARY 2015 SUBJECT: HON. NGOSA SIMBYAKULA IS REPRESENTING THE PF AND NOT GOVERNMENT We are surprised by the attacks coming from the United Party for National Development (UPND) and the Foundation for the Democratic Process (FODEP) regarding the presence of Hon. Ngosa Simbyakula MP, in Johannesburg at the printing of the ballot papers and Voters’ Register. First of all, the printing of the ballot papers and voters register is an open, credible and transparent process being witnessed by all political parties, the Church and civil Society. The process is being done in a manner that fosters confidence in the electoral process for all participants in the forthcoming elections. We are therefore surprised that an unfair attack has been issued regarding the presence of the Patriotic Front representative at this process. Hon Simbyakula is a Member of the Central Committee (MCC) and is in charge of Legal and Constitutional affairs of the party. It should also ben noted that Hon. Simbyakula is on leave from his office. The PF Central Committee and PF President Edgar Lungu, assigned this duty to him due to his broad knowledge in elections, legal and constitutional affairs. Further, this decision was also arrived at because the Chairperson for Elections Mrs. Sylvia Masebo remains a suspended official until such a time that the Central Committee resolves her matter, and the party couldn’t pick a more suitable representative than Hon. Ngosa Simbyakula. It should be noted that Hon. Simbyakula’s trip to South Africa is being funded by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), like every other representative and he is staying at the same complex like everyone else. We therefore appeal to FODEP and other stakeholders to ensure that they build confidence in the electoral process. The statements coming from the UPND and FODEP only go to undermine the electoral process and might encourage voter apathy. It should be noted that activities to tamper with the electoral process can be done by anyone from either the ruling or opposition officials and is not a preserve of members of the ruling party. It’s therefore important that as we practice vigilance, we bear in mind that illegalities can be committed by anyone. We there appeal to all stakeholders to help restore confidence in the electoral system by acting responsibly. It is imperative that as party leaders we help build credibility to institutions of Democracy. DAVIES CHAMA SECRETARY GENERAL PATRIOTIC FRONT zambiareports/2015/01/06/pf-explains-simbyakulas-presence-south-africa/
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 15:22:56 +0000
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