The Zambian government has warned of stern action against civil servants who intended to contest parliamentary elections but refused to quit their government portfolios, local media reported Thursday.

Chief government spokesman Vernon Mwaanga was quoted by Zambia Daily Mail as saying the government had noticed that a number of civil servants wanted to contest parliamentary elections but had not given up their positions, which was against the country's rules and regulations governing the civil servants.

Mwaanga said these civil servants risked being fired.

Civil servants are not allowed to join in any political parties in Zambia as they are expected to implement the government policy without any partisan interest.

The spokesman said everyone had a right to exercise their democratic rights but as civil servants they should remain non- partisan.

"It is their democratic right to stand but they should also know that there are consequences that come with it," Mwaanga said.

Zambia is scheduled to hold tripartite elections later this year. Date of elections is yet to be announced by President Levy Mwanawasa who has expressed intention to seek for a second term.

Source: Xinhua