RB’S PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATURE UNDER LITMUS TEST

The Lusaka high court is today, Monday, 8th August 2011, set to make ruling on the candidature of President Rupiah Banda in this year’s presidential elections.

This is in a matter, in which, the Patriotic Front is trying to block Mr Banda’s candidature, on allegations that his father is not a Zambian.

High court judge-in-charge, Jane Kabuka made the decision last Friday, when the parties to the case, agreed to file written submissions.

One of the plaintiff’s lawyers, Chola Chama has disclosed that Justice Kabuka will deliver the ruling after consolidating 6 preliminary applications made on the matter.

This is in a matter, in which, Wynter Kabimba, in his capacity as PF Secretary-General, is trying to restrain Mr Banda from contesting this year’s elections.

But a local Non-government organization, Zambia Rainbow Coalition President, Cleopas Phiri is worried at some sections of society attempts to undermine the electoral system.

Speaking in Lusaka yesterday, Sunday, 7th August 2011, Mr Phiri has further stated that such maneuvers threaten national security and they compromise the credibility of the electoral process.

He has since called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia to remain steadfast and not succumb to the ill-intended pressures.

Mr Phiri has cited the debates on the printing of ballots and the presidential aspirants’ parentage clause as issues denting the electoral system.

And Mr Phiri has appealed for professionalism on the part of the elections monitors and observers.