The Anti-Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) has advised political parties to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct (ECC) in the forthcoming Kanyama parliamentary by election.
AVAP Executive Director Bonny Tembo says failure by political parties to adhere to the ECC would attract punishment by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
Mr. Tembo observed that political parties have a tendency of breaching the ECC such as the use of Government vehicles coupled with rampant distribution of wrappers and misuse of public resources and campaigning on the actual voting day, saying this was against the code of conduct.
In an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Tembo said his organisation has since embarked on a vigorous voter education campaign to sensitise the electorate on the voting process.
And Mr. Tembo has cautioned political parties to desist from imposing candidates on the electorate.
The AVAP Chief said imposition of candidates in the by election in the by election will cause voter apathy.
Mr. Tembo explained that those imposed on the electorate were not likely to deliver on their promises.
He stressed the need for the Kanyama electorate to choose a credible candidate who would be able to effectively represent them at National Assembly.
Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set February 21, 2008 as the date of the Kanyama by election. The seat fell vacant after the death of Patriotic Front MP Henry Mtonga.
United Party for National Development (UPND), United Liberal Progressive Party, Patriotic Front, Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD) and All People’s Congress Party are fielding candidates in the Kanyama by election.
Vote buying ‘NI MWAMBO ABALE’ left to us by UNIP and still being practised by MMD to ascend to power.