By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) yesterday lifted the suspension of campaigns for the PF and UPND in Mpulungu, Nakonde and Namwala districts.
ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Patrick Nshindano said this followed the satisfactory conduct by the two political parties.
“However says in Lusaka Province, the PF and UPND will not be allowed to physically campaign, the situation will be reviewed after fourteen days, I want to commend the leadership of both the PF and UPND for the exemplary conduct,” he said.
Mr Nshindano said the commission is also investigating reports of violence coming from other districts involving the UPND and PF.
“The Commission however is not fully satisfied with the conduct of the Patriotic Front and United Party for National Development in Lusaka. The Commission has received a number of incidences in Lusaka that are under investigation, in this regard, the Commission has only partially lifted the suspension in Lusaka District. This means that all physical campaigns remain suspended,” he said.
Mr Nshindano said the media should also not entertain hate speech as this is against the Electoral Act.
“In addition to the spot adverts and documentaries that were allowed on various media platforms, the Commission will allow the two political parties to air programs on radio and television as well as publish articles in the newspapers. The partial suspension is effective immediately and will be reviewed after 14 days,” he said.
Mr Nshindano said that ECZ still maintains that campaign rallies and road-shows by political parties remain suspended in view of the escalating Covid-19 cases,”
“The Commission will not hesitate to impose sanctions on erring political parties and this may include disqualifying political parties/candidates who will be found breaching the Electoral Code of Conduct,” he said.
Mr Nshindano encouraged all political players to be tolerant and ensure they promote coexistence.
