By MWANGALA LISELI –

THE Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) has implored female politicians to desist from engaging in any form of electoral malpractice following recent nullifications of Parliamentary seats by the Supreme Court.

ZNWL board chairperson Beauty Katebe said this following last week’s decision by the Supreme Court to nullify the Kasenengwa seat, held by Victoria Kalima of the MMD.

The Supreme Court also nullified the Petauke seat held by MMD Member of Parliament (MP) Dora Siliya.

Ms Katebe said the ZNWL, however, respected the Supreme Court’s ruling in the matter.

“The ZNWL implores female politicians to desist from engaging in any form of electoral malpractices. Further the ZNWL supports processes that promote the conduct of free and fair elections and urges political parties to adopt female candidates in the forth coming by-elections,” she said.

Ms Katebe said the nullification of Ms Kalima’s seat further reduced the number of parliamentary seats held by women from 18 to 17 in the National Assembly.

She said the development presented a challenge towards the attainment of the 50/50 representation of each gender in decision making positions, as stipulated by the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Gender and Development.

She said it was important for Zambia as a signatory to the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development to put in place affirmative action aimed at increasing the number of women in decision making positions.

ZNWL was of the view that legislation provided for through the Constitution would be the only sure way to attaining gender equality in all decision making positions.

She said her organisation remained optimistic that President Michael Sata would this year, continue enhancing the status of women through appointments to key positions.