LUSAKA - The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has questioned why Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has not taken action against civil servants allegedly involved in partisan political activities ahead of Zambia's 13 August General Election.
Speaking to Phoenix News, CCMG Programmes Manager Peter Mwanang'ombe said senior government officials, including Mr. Kangwa, have repeatedly warned that civil servants wishing to participate in active politics should resign or face disciplinary action.
However, Mr. Mwanang'ombe argued that despite those warnings, little action has been taken against public officers who are allegedly openly participating in political campaigns.
He accused the Government of failing to effectively enforce laws that prohibit civil servants from engaging in partisan politics, claiming there is sufficient evidence of some public officers actively campaigning.
Mr. Mwanang'ombe also rejected assertions that diplomats are political appointees exempt from public service regulations.
He argued that the Constitution defines a public or civil servant as any individual whose salary is paid from public funds and that such officers are expected to remain politically neutral.
Meanwhile, Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ) President Dr. Joy Beene said the union has not received any formal reports of its members engaging in partisan political activities ahead of the elections.
Dr. Beene said the union has neither been notified nor summoned over allegations involving any civil servant but will continue monitoring the situation.
He warned that civil servants who participate in partisan politics face serious disciplinary consequences and advised those wishing to pursue political careers to first resign from the public service.
Source: Phoenix News