‘No policy yet on campaigns in correctional facilities’

THERE is no policy pertaining to the conduct of political party campaigns in correctional facilities, Vice-President, Inonge Wina, has told Parliament.

Ms Wina said that not even the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) would be allowed to go and campaign in correctional facilities.

She was responding to a question from Monze Central Member of Parliament Jack Mwiimbu who wanted to know what measures were in place to ensure access to correctional facilities during campaigns.

Mr Mwiimbu said the Commissioner General of the Zambia Correctional Service, Dr Chisela Chileshe, recently said that the correctional service would ensure that PF wins the 2021 general elections.

However, the Vice President told the House that so far there were no policies governing conduct of political parties in correctional facilities.

Ms Wina said that if the Commissioner- General made a statement on the issue, it was out of his own utterances and it was not Government’s position.

“Not even the ruling party will be allowed into correctional centres to campaign, if the Commissioner-General said it, Government has not received an official presentation of that report, it might be his utterances.

And the Vice President said that ministers who stayed in office after Parliament was dissolved in 2016, had not yet paid back the money to Government.

Ms Wina said that the case has not concluded in the courts of law, adding the announcement will be made at an appropriate time.

She was responding to a question from Manyinga MP, Robert Linefu, who wanted to know when the ministers would pay back the money to the government.