Foundation for Democratic Process FODEP says the just ended Kasama Central Parliamentary By-elections were characterized with violence, electoral malpractices and breaches of the Code of conduct by political players.
FODEP Information Officer McDonald Chipenzi says his organization observed that the elections were characterized by malpractices which included vote buying.
He said that the campaigns were also marred with tribalism, racism, and pulling down of the candidates’ portraits which is contrary to the provisions of code of conduct and the Constitution.
Mr. Chipenzi, however, said FODEP is happy that the poll day was peaceful and the casting of votes proceeded without any major disruptions.
He said the election results were accepted by all participating parties despite the numerous malpractices that characterized the pre-election period.
Mr. Chipenzi disclosed that the losing candidates accepted defeat and congratulated UPND-PF pact for retaining the seat in Kasama adding that this is a good sign of maturity and can enhance Zambia’s democratic tenets.
He said FODEP is hopeful that the newly elected Member of Parliament will serve the people of Kasama Central and contribute effectively to the development of the constituency.
He noted that there was need for the new MP to promote unity and reconciliation among his electorates.
Meanwhile FODEP has advised all political parties taking part in the forthcoming Solwezi Central parliamentary by –elections to desist from politics of violence, insults,mudslinging and false promises.
Mr. Chipenzi said there is need for the participating political parties to base their campaigns on issues affecting the people in Solwezi central.
He noted that all parties should address the issues of unplanned settlement and increasing HIV/AIDS prevalence rates, road infrastructure and how to utilize agriculture potential in the area.
“FODEP feels that such issues should be discussed by all political parties taking part in the area in other fora as opposed to waiting for by-elections,” said Mr. Chipenzi.
He said FODEP expects all political players to co-exist regardless of their political, religious and tribal inclinations.
ZANIS
FODEP ci color cenu, we know where u belong. p h e w!!!!!!!!!!
Where was FODEP in Chitambo bye election were we saw photos of a minister puplicly fighting a PF cadre?
Ba FODEP kanshi eko mwaba?
FODEP is a fraud.
Whatever happened to ZIMT and Zulu?
the elections were free and fair..or maybe u want to say the erections for mmd ministers were not up..
Theze blanket statements don’t help much. Better to state exactly who waz doing what wrong during the campaignz. But becauze you know who the worst culprit waz, you find it safer to just say “Kasama pollz were marred with violence and malpractices”. Lucky Dube said ” If you can’t say SOMETHING GOOD about somebody, JUST SHUT UP!”
Well in Zed and the Zambian people will accept any result regardless of malpractice, violence etc as long as the party that wins is not MMD otherwise it was going to be corruption left, right and center had MMD won. So basically Corruption is ok for as long as it has nothing to do with the ruling party. You people fustrate me chilankalipa finshi mufwaya kanshi
We told them “Violence begets violence”. When they were enjoying clobbering POST journalists, they thought they were clever. Muzachiona!
Its the MMD-thieves who were caught distributing blankets in October..hahahahahahah!!!!!!
I wonder whether this is not a gimmick to get funding from the donors. It is quiet clear that as long as these NGOs portray the situation as very bad in this ‘uncivilised, illiterate and undemocratic country’ which needs the help of the west to get better, they will continue to receive donor funding. The doctor continues to get paid as long as the patient is ill!