Electoral Comission of Zambia a cadre-branch of UPND - Makebi

THE detention without charge of Raphael Nakacinda by the police at the instigation of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has confirmed fears by Zambians that it has been converted into a cadre-branch of the UPND,” Makebi Zulu has charged.

Mr Zulu, a lawyer representing Mr Nakacinda, who was yesterday detained at Kabwata Police cells in Lusaka said it had become clear beyond any reasonable doubt that the cadre-commissioners at the ECZ had embarked on a crusade to gag and silence citizens expressing their disgust on how it was discharging its mandate.

Mr Zulu said Zambians shall not become bystanders and onlookers as their Constitution was being raped by a political cadre of people masquerading as neutral umpires at the ECZ.

“Raphael Nakacinda has been detained without being charged. The offence they have accused him of having committed, and assuming he had committed such an offence is a misdemeanor that should not result into detaining someone. It is a fineable offence but here we are… Mr Nakacinda has been detained and denied bond at the instigation of the ECZ. Now it can confirm the complaints from Zambians that the ECZ has been converted into a cadre-branch of the UPND,” Mr Zulu said.

Mr Zulu stated it was not surprising that people at the helm of the ECZ were card-carrying UPND members and that that Zambians should expect the worst from the current leadership of the commission.

Police yesterday arrested Mr Nakachinda for an offence of disobedience of statutory duties

Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, said Mr Nakachinda’s arrest was outlined in section 126 of the Penal Code Act Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Mr Hamoonga said this action was in connection with section 18(1) (b) and (f) of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Act number 25 of 2016.