LUSAKA – Zambia’s ruling party has expelled a senior member and popular politician over allegations of corruption just days before the start of a national convention called to elect a new party leadership, a spokesman said yesterday.
Tipped to win the Movement for Multiparty Democracy’s (MMD) vice presidency at the convention starting Wednesday, Austin Chewe was axed Sunday night by the national executive committee in a move that could split the party. “He was found guilty of being involved in corruption ahead of the party elections,” MDD spokesman Akashambatwa Lewanika told AFP.Party officials accused Chewe of influence-peddling, including giving cars to senior party members in exchange for their support ahead of the leadership convention to be held in the town of Kabwe, 200 kilometres north of Lusaka.The MMD suspended elections for the tightly-contested deputy leadership position until further notice, as Zambian Vice President Lupando Mwape was also accused of getting funds for his campaign from people facing corruption charges.Two provincial chairmen of the party have been suspended for three months for allegedly being involved in corruption ahead of the four-day convention.President Levy Mwanawasa is tipped to win both the position of party president and presidential candidate after his main rival, Nevers Mumba, who was also a former vice president, was last month expelled from the party.- Nampa-AFP”He was found guilty of being involved in corruption ahead of the party elections,” MDD spokesman Akashambatwa Lewanika told AFP.Party officials accused Chewe of influence-peddling, including giving cars to senior party members in exchange for their support ahead of the leadership convention to be held in the town of Kabwe, 200 kilometres north of Lusaka.The MMD suspended elections for the tightly-contested deputy leadership position until further notice, as Zambian Vice President Lupando Mwape was also accused of getting funds for his campaign from people facing corruption charges.Two provincial chairmen of the party have been suspended for three months for allegedly being involved in corruption ahead of the four-day convention.President Levy Mwanawasa is tipped to win both the position of party president and presidential candidate after his main rival, Nevers Mumba, who was also a former vice president, was last month expelled from the party.- Nampa-AFP
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
