The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has appealed to all the political parties taking part in the Sesheke parliamentary by-election to exercise tolerance and refrain from political violence.
Sesheke District Electoral Officer (DEO) Emmanuel Sikanyika said it was unfortunate that some political parties are involved in electoral malpractices.
Mr. Sikanyika disclosed this in an exclusive interview with ZANIS in Sesheke today.
He said as of January 23, 2019, the ECZ had received an official complaint from one of the political parties about violence.
“The first complaint was received on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 from one of the political parties accusing the other of causing violence,” he said.
Mr. Sikanyika said it was the desire of the commission that competing parties adhere to the electoral rules adding that violence and disruption of public order will not be condoned.
“Those engaged in violence must know that the law has a provision to sanction them for breaching the law,” he said.
He charged that all the four political parties taking part in the Sesheke parliamentary by-election must respect the law.
“We will be meeting the political parties to remind them of what is expected of them during and after the election,” Mr. Sikanyika said.
The Sesheke by-election is being contested by the Patriotic Front (PF), United Party for National Development (UPND), United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) and People’s Alliance for Change (PAC).
“Those engaged in violence must know that the law has a provision to sanction them for breaching the law,” he said.
You know which party (pf) is perpetrating violence, why are you beating about the bush? Be fair and firm.
When culprits are not mentioned by name, your guess is good as mine.
ECZ is a failed cause. they are just a steering wheel for the PF. Honestly can we not want to have peace after watching and hearing whay s going on in Zim and Congo. If Zambia ever explodes then ECZ must know they caused it.