The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has appealed to all political parties and candidates participating in the Kanyama by-elections to avoid confrontation and violence in the run-up to the February 21 by-elections.
And the Electoral Commission of Zambia has warned of legal action against political parties and party supporters that will be found influencing electorates that they surrender their voter’s cards.
Addressing the press in Lusaka today, ECZ Commissioner Joseph Jalasi says as the date for the by-elections draws nearer it is important that political parties and Kanyama aspiring candidates avoid campaigns of character assassination in order to help have free and fair elections.
Mr. Jalasi said political parties participating in the Kanyama by-elections must avoid name calling and disruption of other political parties meetings in a bid to enhance the countries young democracy.
He further urged political parties and the candidates to familiarize themselves with the electoral code of conduct in order to avoid electoral malpractices.
Mr. Jalasi said there is need for all political parties, candidates and election agents to familiarize themselves with the electoral code of conduct and avoid violating the provisions in the Electoral Act in order to help strengthen the Zambian electoral system.
And the Electoral Commission of Zambia has warned of legal action against political parties and party supporters that will be found influencing electorates that they surrender their voter’s cards.
ECZ Commissioner Joseph Jalasi said at the press briefing in Lusaka today that it is a criminal offence to exert undue influence on a person to surrender a voter’s card or to receive such cards with the sole purpose of disenfranchising a person.
Mr. Jalasi said the Commission will not take kindly of political parties and their supporters that will be found collecting voter’s cards from electorates and further warned of legal action against the violators of the Electoral Act.
