LUSAKA - Constitutional lawyer Tresford Chali has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to reject a request by the UPND seeking to stop a candlelight church service planned by the Archdiocese of Lusaka ahead of the August 13 General Election.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Chali argued that the matter falls outside the ECZ's constitutional mandate and should not be treated as an electoral issue.
He said the Commission has no constitutional authority to regulate church operations, noting that its responsibility is primarily to ensure that elections are conducted freely, fairly and without violence, intimidation or corruption.
Mr. Chali cited Articles 45(c) and 229(2) of the Constitution, arguing that the provisions do not confer powers on the ECZ to regulate religious practices.
He further argued that candles have long been used in Christian worship and other church services, making the planned candlelight programme a religious activity rather than a political event.
According to Mr. Chali, the UPND's request to have the service cancelled has no legal basis.
He maintained that preventing the church from holding the service could itself amount to a breach of the constitutional provisions cited in his submission.
The debate follows concerns raised by the UPND over the timing of the candlelight prayer service, which is scheduled for August 12, a day before the General Election.
Source: Phoenix News | By: Nelson Zulu