UPND threatens to sue ZNBC over rejected adverts

The opposition UPND has threatened to take legal action against ZNBC for allegedly denying it chance to place political adverts.

UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma has disclosed in a statement to Qfm News that ZNBC has rejected two of his party’s paid for TV campaign adverts which were to start airing on Monday next week.

Charles Kakoma

Mr. Kakoma says his party thinks that such censorship is unwarranted and undermines key principles of democracy and freedoms of Zambians.

He states that what ZNBC has done is in fact a clear abrogation of the electoral code of conduct.

Mr. Kakoma says the UPND is thus consulting with the Electoral Commission of Zambia  (ECZ)and will take legal action if necessary to ensure that its adverts are aired by ZNBC.

He says this is because from this rejection of the paid for adverts, it is clear to the UPND that it may not be covered by ZNBC during campaigns.

And UPND Secretary General Stephen Katuka has accused government of attempting to suffocate his party’s campaigns.

In a separate statement Mr. Katuka notes that in addition to ZNBC refusing to air its paid for political adverts, the Zambia Air Force has also not granted permission for UPND campaign helicopters to be active on Monday the 16th of May.

Mr. Katuka notes that this is despite the UPND having applied well in advance and being in full compliance with all civil aviation requirements.

He says the Police on the Copperbelt have equally not given his party a go ahead to hold its campaign launch in Kitwe and other places for the whole of next week.

Mr. Katuka says this is notwithstanding the fact that his party has complied with everything that should be done in accordance with the provisions of the law.