About 23 civil servants are reported to be involved in active politics in Eastern Province.
Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo revealed this during a media briefing at his office this morning.
Mr. Kasolo says he has a list of civil servants from Chipata, Katete, Petauke and Mambwe districts who are practicing in active politics and are supporting some opposition political parties.
Mr. Kasolo explained that some civil servants in Chipata travel to Katete to hold private political meetings at night and government has launched investigations into the matter because the people involved can face disciplinary action.
He says the civil servants practicing active politics are breaking the code of ethics of impartiality and loyalty, which states that all civil servants should work with the government of the day and be loyal to the government of the day.
Mr. Kasolo says he understands that Zambia is a democratic country and people have a right to support a political party of their choice but civil servants intending to join active politics should inform him so that they resign and continue with their political career.
Mr. Kasolo however, says despite the reports, most civil servants in the province are working in a professional manner, adding that most disciplinary cases involving civil servants that were left by former PS, Dr. Chileshe Mulenga were dealt with except those that were taken to court.
And the PS refuted reports of civil servants in Kapata area being asked to form women groups to support the ruling Patriotic Front Party.
He says his office is not aware of such reports, adding that it is not wrong for wives of civil servants to belong to political party women groups if they are not civil servants.