The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has hailed the peaceful conduct of campaigns so far by political parties taking part in the five parliamentary by-elections scheduled for 11th September.
ECZ public relations Manager Cris Akufuna says the absence of negative reports from the ongoing campaigns means that things are going on well.
Mr. Akufuna has however told Qfm news that it will be wishful thinking to believe that it is because of the recently held political parties’ summit on political violence that is now having a bearing on the conduct of political parties.
He says the commission is monitoring the situation as it unfolds leading up to the polling day.
Mr. Akufuna says it is the Commission’s prayer and hope that the campaigns will continue to be conducted in a peaceful manner.
However, UPND issues the statement below
UPND CONDEMS VIOLENCE
I wish to thank the people for the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in Mkushi South campaigns. I hope this is what is happening everywhere else where there are by elections. I hope the police will be on the ground and do more so as to insure that these by elections to be held on the 11th September 2014, are free and fair.
The elements of violence that were exhibited by PF in Mkushi mine area some days ago when they beat up a candidate for a particular party should not be condoned and should be condemned with the strongest words possible.
We in the UPND will practice violence free campaigns and we are asking the police to continue protecting us as we draw closer to the polling day. No youth should be used as a tool of violence in these by elections. I’m appealing to all political parties to use youths in foot soldiering and not panga fighting.
Kenny Ng’ona
UPND National youth coordinator
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UPND Information (PI Dept)
Why is UPND refuting the clearly peaceful elections?
ECZ is independent and they take no sides
Thanks
Do not expect any more violence now that Kabimba has been fired. He was the root cause of that, just look at the folks he used to work with, Mwaliteta en others.
If PF loses in Mkushi South then that’s the end of it. The people there vote for as long as its a ruling party not understanding the reasons behind there action. UPND will grab the rest seats.
Thank you guys for observing that the root cause of all that mess in country was Kabimba’s administration. But don’t forget that also the disappearance of Ba Sata from the streets has really brought peace in country.
Fire kabimba ‘s cohorts such as mwaliteta and most of the Dcs
Logic would suggest that since one factor has been removed from the scenario, maybe it is that factor which was responsible for violence. This conclusion however , could be premature as it still needs to be confirmed by observing other by-elections and other political gatherings .
Wherever Mwaaliteta and Miles Sampa are absent, Violence is also absent. Most of the violence is caused by the Matero Constituency Militia which was yesterday involved in a terrible fight at Buseko. They have some useful I.diot whom they call commander who even threatens the Police whenever they try to intervene. He is an integral part of the Panga Family. Everyone in the Police seems to be scared of this useless good for nothing i.diot who drives his vehicle without a registration number. He wears Military fatigue without fear of anything. This is a self confessed terrorist who was in charge of the thugs that attacked people at BIGOCA. I wonder why the PF tolerates such people. Anyway this is a POKO FARAM Government.