Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Sakwiba Sikota
Renowned Lusaka based lawyer Sakwiba Sikota says the country’s constitution has no requirement that a government Minister must resign when vying for presidency.
Mr. Sikota’s observation follows repeated calls that Justice and Defense Minister Edgar Lungu resigns from his government positions owing to the fact that he is campaigning to become republican President and therefore he will not have time to execute his duties as Minister besides him falling in a possible temptation of using government resources in his campaigns.
In an interview with Qfm News, Mr. Sikota who is a constitutional lawyer and opposition United Liberal Party (ULP) president notes that the only provision the country’s constitution has is that, in exception of both the republican President and the vice president, anyone that is vying for the position of the Country’s highest office should not use government resources on campaigns.
Mr. Sikota says this means Mr. Lungu can continue campaigning while holding on to the two positions of Justice and Defense Minister provided he does not use government resources.
Edgar Lungu (left) lends an ear to Harry Kalaba (right)
He says from his observation so far Mr. Lungu who is the PF candidate for the January 20th 2015 presidential election has not fallen out of this provision of law.
The renowned Lusaka based lawyer states that he has personally taken note that from the campaigns that the Justice and Defense Minister has conducted he has used private helicopters for his transport.
He says he however hopes Mr. Lungu will continue complying with law by not using government resources in his campaigns.
Reporting by Lazarous Sichula