Lungu appoints Commission of Inquiry on political violence

Sat, 22 Oct 2016 10:00:10 +0000

A FIFTEEN member Commission of Inquiry has been appointed to examine the causes of political violence before, during and after the August 11th general elections.

President Edgar Lungu has in accordance with the Inquiries Act appointed the Commission of Inquiry whose terms of reference would also extend to inquire into the voting patterns between 2006 and 2016 as well as the causes of the voting patterns.

Special assistant to the President for press and public relations Amos Chanda said in a statement yesterday that the Commission of Inquiry had been prompted by the violence that characterized the last general elections.

Mr Chanda said the Commission of Inquiry comprised Mr Justice Munalula Lisimba who is the chairperson of the Inquiry and Mrs Marvis Kasongo Chisanga who is the vice chairperson while Mr. Nzovwa Mwela Chomba would be the secretary of the commission.

Others who have been appointed to sit on the commission included Mike Mulabe who is the deputy secretary, Fr. Lastone Lupupa, Mr. Charles Kafunda, Mr. Lee Habasonda, Mr. Reuben Lifuka, Dr. M.C.Bwalya, and Mrs. Maureen Siamulele Tresha as well as Prof. Owen Sichone.

Others were Mr. Redson Nyanga, Ms. Flora K. Mooya, His. Royal Highness Senior Chief Ntambo and Mr. Wilfred Chilufya. The Commission of Inquiry will also inquire into the voting patterns between 2006 and 2016 and the root causes of these

patterns. Mr Chanda said the Inquiry would also have the mandate to examine to what extent the pre-election political violence could have influenced the voting patterns in the 11th August 2016 general elections. He said among other matters, the Inquiry would look into the role of political parties, traditional rulers, and the media in shaping voting patterns and instigation of violence among others. Mr Chanda said President Lungu had tasked the Commission to submit its report to the head of State within 120 days from the date of appointment.

By Nation reporter