Maravi

Chishimba confident of winning LAZ top seat

Chishimba confident of winning LAZ top seat
By Noel Sichalwe
Wednesday April 25, 2007 [04:00]

LUSAKA lawyer Fraser Chishimba yesterday expressed confidence of scooping the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) chairmanship. Chishimba said he had been practicing for about 17 years and that he had built his credibility among the lawyers. He said he would not underrate his rivals among them Elijah Banda and Robson Malipenga. He said he had confidence in the LAZ electoral process.

"I am now in the hands of the electorate and I am appealing for their votes," he said.

Chishimba said he had been in the past LAZ council with Banda and had known the issues that LAZ was pursuing.
He said he consulted his colleagues before declaring his intentions known and had good chances of winning.

And Banda said he would be quiet on the issue because he was not sure about the rules that regulated campaigns for such positions.
"I don't want to preempt the elections," he said.

Aspiring LAZ council member Drastress Neves was sure that she would be elected in the position.
Neves said she had made contributions to the annual general meetings (AGM) and had convened a development committee.

She said the development committee, that was relatively new would facilitate compulsory training for lawyers on a number of courses.
Neves said she started practising in 1986 and had a charming personality that would win her votes.

She however, noticed that there was apathy among female lawyers to contest LAZ positions. She hoped there would be some changes that allowed people to competitively compete for various positions.

Neves said the positions were quite demanding especially that there was no money involved but only offering a service.
Mweemba who is outgoing chairman said he was happy that he chaired the association within the mandate of the LAZ Act.

He said the LAZ mandate was extended to assisting the public on legal issues with regard to the advancement of the rule of law, rights and liberties of individuals.

Among the contenders of LAZ top job are Malipenga, Chishimba and Banda. The vice-chairperson is contested by Mwila Chitabo and Stephen Lungu.

Musa Mwenye has gone unopposed as secretary while Overs Banda is also unopposed as treasurer.
Returning officer Robert Simeza has since declared Mwenye and Banda as duly elected in their respective positions. LAZ is holding its general meeting in Livingstone this Saturday.

Labels: FRASER CHISHIMBA, LAZ

posted by MrK @ 2:13 AM