/ 11 July 2005

Corruption claims shake Zambia’s ruling party

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 spokesperson said on Monday.

Tipped to win the Movement for Multiparty Democracy’s (MMD) vice-presidency at the convention starting on Wednesday, Austin Chewe was axed on 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,” MMD spokesperson Akashambatwa Lewanika said.

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, 200km 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 chairpersons of the party have been suspended for three months for allegedly being involved in corruption ahead of the four-day convention.

The two, southern province chairperson Daniel Munkombwe and central province chairperson Boyd Mukonka, were working with Chewe.

President Levy Mwanawasa is tipped to win both the position of party president and presidential candidate after his main rival, Never Mumba, who was also a former vice-president, was last month expelled from the party.

Founded in 1990, the MMD swept to power in 1991 and 2001 under former leader Frederick Chiluba, who has also been on trial for corruption since December 2003. — Sapa-AFP