Registrar bars Kambwili presidency, but he says it’s illegal
By Staff Reporter
Government has advised National Democratic Congress (NDC) president Chishimba Kambwili not to conduct any party activities as his endorsement is allegedly illegal.
But Kambwili says the advice was illegal and irrational as the Registrar of Sociaties did not have any legal mandate to choose who should lead a political party.
Home affairs spokesperson Nephas Chifuta said the Registrar of Societies was in receipt of a letter from enstranged party secretary general Mwenya Musenge requesting the withdrawal of the recognition of Kambwili as party president.
“The Registrar of Societies in a guidance letter has highlighted that the NDC party constitution deposited at the department upon registration of the party, has clear and elaborate provisions regarding the appointment of the president of the party. According to article 18 of their constitution, the National Party Congress is the supreme policy making organ of the party and comprises of 1,000 members drawn from all the ten provinces of Zambia. The National Democratic Party congress is the only party organ with the mandate to elect the party president at its national congress,” Chifuta said.
He said it is only the party congress which can amend, approve and adopt the party constitution.
“Their Constitution also stipulates in article 23(g) that “in the absence of the Secretary General, the Deputy Secretary General shall preside over the activities of the party and give a comprehensive report to the Secretary General upon his/her return to the office.” To the contrary, the meeting proceeded despite the substantive Secretary General being in the office,” he said.
Chifuta has since reminded the party to adhere to its constitution at all times and avoid short cuts in order to maintain order and remain compliant to the Societies Act Cap 119 of the laws of Zambia.
“The process for the appointment of Chishimba Kambwili as president of the National Democratic Congress party was not in accordance with the provisions of their party constitution and therefore, it is null and void,” he said
