Registrar of Societies directs political parties to hold convention within 60 days

The Registrar of Societies has directed all registered political parties to proceed and hold conventions as well as intra-party elections within 60 days.

Chief Registrar of Societies, Thandiwe Mhende, said the directive was in line with Article 60 (2) of the Constitution of Zambia No. 2 of 2016 of the Laws of Zambia.

Mhende made the directive in a notice issued in Lusaka to all registered political parties on Tuesday.

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She said failure to abide by the directives shall result into serious sanctions as provided for under the Societies Act Cap 119 of the Laws of Zambia.

“Further, that all political parties must ensure that they have representation in all 10 Provinces in the Country with provincial executive committees registered with the office of the Registrar of Societies,” Mhende said.

She said the directive was from the date of this publication, to elect and replace office bearers and members of the party leadership to fill up existing vacancies.

Mhende said all political parties that already held conventions to elect party office bearers and other members of the party leadership, whose tenure of office has not yet expired in accordance with their party constitutions must submit to the Registrar necessary documentation in respect of such activity, for verification and updating of records.

“To ensure that, in line with Article 60 (2) of the Constitution Act of Zambia No. 2 of 2016 of the Laws of Zambia that they promote the values and principles specified in the Zambian Constitution, have a national character and promote and uphold national unity,” she said.

Mhende said all registered political parties are required to promote and practice democracy through regular, free and fair elections within the party.

She said they were also expected to respect the right of its members to participate in the affairs of the political party.

“Respect the right of its members to seek redress from a court or tribunal when aggrieved by a decision of the political party,” Mhende said.

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