LAWYER URGES ECZ TO REJECT UPND REQUEST TO STOP CANDLELIGHT CHURCH SERVICE

LAWYER URGES ECZ TO REJECT UPND REQUEST TO STOP CANDLELIGHT CHURCH SERVICE By Nelson Zulu Constitutional lawyer Tresford Chali has asked the Electoral Commission of Zambia-ECZ-to reject a request from the UPND to stop a candlelight church service planned ahead of this year’s election by the Archdiocese of Lusaka. In a letter to the Chief […]

LAWYER URGES ECZ TO REJECT UPND REQUEST TO STOP CANDLELIGHT CHURCH SERVICE

By Nelson Zulu

Constitutional lawyer Tresford Chali has asked the Electoral Commission of Zambia-ECZ-to reject a request from the UPND to stop a candlelight church service planned ahead of this year’s election by the Archdiocese of Lusaka.

In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Chali said the matter falls outside the Commission’s mandate and should not be treated as an electoral issue.

He stated that the Commission has no constitutional authority to regulate church operations, adding that its responsibility is limited to ensuring that elections are conducted freely, fairly and without violence, intimidation or corruption.

Mr. Chali cited Articles 45(C) and 229(2) of the constitution, saying they do not give the Commission powers over religious practices, further arguing that candles have long been used in Christian worship and other church services, making the planned activity a religious practice rather than political.

According to Mr. Chali, the UPND’s attempt to have the service cancelled has no legal basis, emphasizing that cancelling the service would result in a breach of articles 45(c) and 229(2).

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