Seven Candidates vying for the Malole Parliamentary seat and other stakeholders have unanimously agreed to maintain peace during campaigns ahead of the August 13 general elections.
The resolution was arrived at during the formulation of a campaign schedule to govern campaign activities during the electoral period.
United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate Stella Mutale said candidates should focus on issue-based campaigns as opposed to character assassination.
Ms Mutale said those competing for the seat must embrace President Hakainde Hichilema who has always preached peace.
“I am confident of scooping the Malole seat so that i can continue with the developmental agenda for the new dawn government, in doing so as a candidate i should not preach hate, no character assassination,” she said.
And an Independent candidate Vernon Bwato also pledged to conduct issue based campaigns and to follow the campaign time table.
Mr Bwato also appealed to other contestants to abide by the timetable to maintain law and order.
And Lawance Mwenge of the Socialist Party called on members of various political parties to continue embracing each other when they meet during campaigns.
Mr Mwenge noted that doing so will enable their followers not to engage in fights even under provocations.
Another Independent Candidate Grace Chisanga called on aspiring candidates not to import supporters from outside Mungwi to avoid confrontations.
“I am related to most of you here because Stella Mutale is my Sister, Vernon Bwato is my brother and Moses Nchitwa is my Nephew therefore there is no need for us to fight because at the end of the day only one will be elected,” Ms Chisanga said.
“Usually those that are imported from outside the district are the ones who cause confusions during campaigns in most cases, we need to avoid this,” she observed.
And Moses Nchitwa of the Zambia Must Prosper party appealed to other contestants to adhere to the electoral code of conduct.
Meanwhile, Lawrence Chomba, who has stood as an independent emphasised the need to maintain peace during campaigns for the country to have credible elections.
And Reverend Syvano Musonda of the National Reconciliation Party for Unity Prosperity called on youths not to be used as instruments of violence during campaigns.
And speaking earlier, Mungwi District Electoral Officer, Mwansa Mfula, emphasised the need to have a peaceful election in the district.
Dr Mfula urged aspiring candidates to adhere to the schedule to avoid acts of violence, hate speech, intimidation and any form of political violence.
“The timetable is intended to help you candidates to coordinate your campaigns effectively, let us follow it,” Dr Mfula narrated.
He has described the campaign mood so far as conducive for all political players in the district.
