MARY LEMBA
Kasama
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has urged political parties and other stakeholders in Kasama to strictly adhere to the electoral code of conduct and fully understand the electoral process to prevent the spread of misinformation ahead of Thursday’s mayoral by-election.
ECZ information and communication technology director Collins Kachaka says the commission is satisfied with the conduct of political players so far, noting that campaigns have remained peaceful and orderly.
Speaking when he addressed political party agents, media and election observers here yesterday, Dr Kachaka said it is the desire of the commission to ensure that the elections are peaceful and fair.
“We are all Zambians and must respect each other and embrace peace, even when we differ in ideas.
As a commission, we are happy that the campaigns have so far been peaceful,” Dr Kachaka said.
Kasama district electoral officer Innocent Mutambo said the commission has fully prepared for the poll, adding that all electoral processes are on course.
Mr Mutambo said ECZ has engaged all key stakeholders in the district through consultative meetings aimed at sharing accurate information and curbing the spread of misinformation within the community.
“ECZ is ready to conduct the elections. All polling staff in the 218 polling stations have been fully trained, and political parties are encouraged to report any concerns to the conflict management committee, which is balanced and designed to resolve issues amicably,” Mr Mutambo said.
Representatives of political parties participating in the by-election also expressed satisfaction with the prevailing peaceful environment.
United Party for National Development (UPND) representative Frederick Kangwa thanked ECZ for smooth stakeholder engagement and said the party is confident of winning the seat.
New Focus Party provincial chairperson Christopher Mpandamwike said no violent incidents have been recorded, expressing optimism that the election will be peaceful.
Socialist Party (SP) Eastern Province deputy chairperson Enerst Zulu commended ECZ for ensuring that political parties are adequately educated on electoral procedures, describing the engagements as vital to promoting transparency, credibility and harmony during the electoral process.
Ballot papers for the Kasama mayoral by-election arrived in the district yesterday and were verified in the presence of representatives from all participating political parties.
Six political parties are participating in the by-election.
Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has Peter Chikweti, who is backed by the Tonse Alliance, Joseph Mubanga is from SP, Aaron Zimba from Citizens First (CF) Party, UPND’s Bywell Simposya, Mukuka Kapambwe from United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ), and New Focus party’s Mary Busika.
The by-election has arisen following the death of Kasama Mayor Theresa Kolala of the Patriotic Front (PF), who died on December 5 last year….https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
