The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has condemned all forms of electoral violence, urging political parties and aspiring candidates at all levels to conduct themselves peacefully and in accordance with the ECZ code of conduct.
The commission further wishes to inform the public that in a few areas where incidents of violence and disturbances were reported, nomination processes were temporarily put on hold as a precautionary measure to safeguard the safety and security of commission staff.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Chief Electoral Officer, Brown Kasaro.
Mr Kasaro has also announced that the filing of nominations for Presidential, National Assembly as well as local government elections will proceed as scheduled nation-wide.
He further noted that the commission has, however, observed instances where two or more aspiring candidates from the same political party have presented adoption certificates for the same position.
Mr Kasaro has since called on political parties to resolve such matters internally and ensure that only one duly adopted candidate is presented for each position in accordance with the law.
He emphasised that the commission remains committed to delivering a credible, transparent as well as peaceful electoral process.
Mr Kasaro added that the electoral body will ensure it works closely with relevant authorities as well as security agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of nominations countrywide.
ECZ, is it in order that the usual unruly and uncontrollable UPND caders should take over great east road the way they have done just now, uncontrollable, insult ing motorists not adhering to their instructons, sitting in car windows. There must be a rule that nominations should not have cadres please. This lawlessness has to stop
The buck stops at him
Hired crowds are always a problem