The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has called on political players to respect the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to suspend campaigns for the PF and opposition UPND in four districts, Lusaka inclusive.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Chembe said the move should be welcomed by all stakeholders because it was taken in the best interest of the country.
“The recent happenings involving the PF and the UPND are a recipe to voter apathy ahead of the August 12 general election, the action y the ECZ should not be taken as a negative development but one that aims to address the situation for the better, if electoral violence continues, it is likely to cause serious intimidation to the electorate in the country. ” he said.
Mr Cheembe said the move by the Electoral Commission of Zambia to suspend all road shows countrywide is timely.
And the Democracy and Motherland Defenders Coalition has commended the ECZ for the ban on campaign activities in Lusaka, Namwala, Mpulungu and Nakonde, saying the move will enhance discipline among political players.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka , the Coalition’s spokesperson Andrew Ntewewe said the coalition will continue to monitor the situation before, during and after the August polls
“We want to encourage the ECZ not to hesitate to impose even more stiffer punishment if the political parties do not change their violent ways of conducting campaigns,” he said
