The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has said it would not allow unofficial campaigning on radio and television as commencement of the election campaign period was determined by the electoral body under Section 26 of the Electoral Act.
ECZ Public Relations Manager Cris Akufuna said the Commission was aware of some political parties and aspiring candidates having begun campaigning through conducting of public rallies, meetings and publication of political manifestos and adverts in the media, a situation he described as illegal and against the Electoral Code of Conduct.
In a Statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Akufuna told ZANIS in Lusaka today that campaigns could only commence once the poling day had been announced as provided for in section 27 of the Electoral Act and as determined by the Electoral Commission under Section 26 of the Electoral Act .
He said political players should therefore adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct to ensure that no participating candidate was unduly disadvantaged in the electoral process.
And Mr. Akufuna has asked all media houses to respect the rights and freedom of aspiring candidates and political parties.
He further urged the media to provide fair and balanced news coverage to political parties and aspiring candidates before and during the official campaigning period.
ZANIS
Now I understand why people are getting irritated. Surely if publishing a manifesto is deemed illegal then there is nothing legal in this country. Very soon even blogging on LT will be declared illegal. Please call for elections in July and let us get this hullabalou out of our way. We have got a lot of better things to do and debate about. I will still vote for RB anyway.
Iwe Crispin, that is why ALC collapsed. You know Chikulu Mphuno is campaigning and you wawant to penalize the opposition. Zambians, text all the Zambians in your phonephone books to phone against Banda naeve njala ikamunyokole. Mwaya sana bafitusha.
Njala yamunyokola- Truly this language is very unpresidential. Nyama soya missed it again. What about Chanda chimbaz adverts and other publications of RB projects initiated by Levy. Zambian politics are confusing
Rb 2011
Viva all the way.
This b e e f w i t t e d, b e e t l e – h e a d e d Akufuna thinks that Zambians are also b e s o t t e d to swallow all rubbish being hipped on them by this i m b e c i l e riddled government!! Mwanya uno mwaka nikuchoka monga madimons.
Yaba. Fyonse fye pa Zed fya busushi. What a disgrace.
The bill boards are everywhere even on projects RB. just found. The twit Chanda Chi wateva is on TV with his programe . . . I don’t know what Akufuna would call them. Flags for RB or MMD are in markets and stations and some do not even have the national flag. Campaign is campaign be it on radio TV etc. . . So start by writing to MMD or bite the finger the feeds then we can say you are independent. Let’s get real ECZ that’s applying double standards.
Foolishness at its best. But these maza fakas are full of stinking shiit. Double standards at play here. This is farking irritating. Honestly Chris even av the audacity to say wat he is saying without shame.
That is total intimidation of highest level.RB and red-liped George Kunda are busy with defaming the opposition leaders in the name of official duties,can you tell the nation if its official for them to be going round the country arguing electorates to vote for them and not the opposition?Don’t think just becoz RH is UNIP then he can use vigilante like little Chris to intimidate us,we are above such cheap maneuvers!
What is happening in our country is civilised stupidity. Chris Akufuna was supposed to go together with Dan Kalale as he’s the chap covering up all the dirty schemes commited by ECZ on behalf of MMD via one VJ. Wake up Zambians, defending your vote starts now.
I’m shocked he failed to categorically refer to RB’s campaign messages on ZNBC, this simply shows ECZ is not independent, no wonder we have no confidence in the credibility of our electoral process. PVT is the way forward.
Zambians be ready to be up in arms against these vultures….
DID THEY GO or DID THEY COME TO ZAMBIA??
I don’t know if Zambia went to the DOGS or the DOGS went to Zambia. All is childish. Even the ECZ seems to be too slow and docile in making a level playing field. Why not just order Gvt media to stop all campaigns, and warn oppositions to follow suite.
Always going round the bush as though they don’t know what is happening. I also wonder why people “TV licenses” should be forced to pay for political adverts on Radio and TV. It is time Zambians refused to consume material they don’t want through compulsory TV fees.
Shika Sunsunia is quick to threaten other but blind about ZNBC activities.
DID Zambia GO to the DOGS , or DID the DOGS come to Zambia??
I don’t know if Zambia went to the DOGS or the DOGS went to Zambia. All is childish. Even the ECZ seems to be too slow and docile in making a level playing field. Why not just order Gvt media to stop all campaigns, and warn oppositions to follow suite.
Always going round the bush as though they don’t know what is happening. I also wonder why people “TV licenses” should be forced to pay for political adverts on Radio and TV. It is time Zambians refused to consume material they don’t want through compulsory TV fees.
Shika Sunsunia is quick to threaten other but blind about ZNBC activities.
KoloKom-bwaz – In think the PIGS came to Zambian in stead of DOGS.
Sometimes you have to blame the Citizens also. How can you cast a vote on MMD when you can see how you and your relatives are suffering. Especially amalofwa, just interested in Ukulilapo, forgeting that when you drink MMD tujilijili and get injured you will be knocking at your uncle’s door asking for help “Ubwafwilisho”. Don’t you realize by promoting MMD to stay in power you are pushing yourself down the stack of poverty. IF you want to continue getting what you are getting continue voting the way you have been voting.
Toothless ECZ should just shut up!
ECZ be impartial .
this ***** chris knos that rb has been doing that on tv…why not jst mention him? mulenya uno mwaka…
What will PVT do when RB will easily get more than 50% of the vote? PVT or no PVT there is no way Sata is going to beat RB. Add to that the fact that most or half of UPND supporters especially in Lusaka, CB and Southern Province will vote for their MPs but vote for RB as president. When they say “vote to injure” that is what they mean.
Chris has just got to shut his mouth. Campaigns are under way to out RB/MMD out democratically. We do not want another Ivory Coast orchestrated by the ECZ. ECZ redeem yourselves. This country needs democratic institutions to run elections. Mwaice Akufuna the change coming is real and no amount of intimidation will stop it, not even ECZ. The days of the Animal Farm’s Napoleon syndrome are long gone!
The begining of mistrust and potential source of violence. My prayer is that justice will reign over peace in this year’s elections
Mr Akufuna, we used to worked together but now i’m suprised you’ve sunk so low, is it because of the money? my regards to your wife and the children esp Akufuna Jr the tall one. i’m still in kitwe. You’ve changed man
RB has been coming for while now! why condemn the opposition? It look like ECZ are following Shikapwasha’s orders.
iwe jka #20 MMD Death. Just because someone has got different views from you does not mean that they have sunk low. Just contribute objectively. Dont blame the player. blame the game….So what if u used to work together. Keep on supporting the worlds most consistent loser…Sata.
Number 21 you don’t know where Chris is coming from. he was upright and just, incorruptible. i just fear for the lives of his children if there will be a regime change. those kids don’t deserve to suffer at the hands of a new government. father Thomas sends his greetings
Priscilla Isaacs on Muvi Tv 19oohrs ,yesterday said they are free to campaign.