Alleged violation of electoral code of conduct worries FODEP

The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has expressed concern with some reported incidents that border on the violation of smooth conduct of the elections reported by its monitors during voting.

FODEP President Sheperd Chilombe in a statement to QFM News says some overzealous political sympathizers are reported to have been going round canvassing for votes even beyond the campaign period which ended yesterday.

Mr Chilombe points out that in Kapiri Mposhi district an unregistered green Mitsubishi Pajero branded in PF regalia was this morning around 07:56 hours alleged to have been making rounds between the Fire Brigade Kawama residential areas campaigning.

He also points out that at Kaunda Square Basic School in Lusaka a UPND political agent was seen campaigning as he was flashing the party symbol.

Mr Chilombe has further expressed concern the alleged acts of intimidation on the election staff by senior party members, citing Chief and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkandu Luo, who is reported to have threatened some electoral staff with dismissal for allegedly working for the opposition.

The FODEP President has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia to investigate reality of these claims and ensure the enforcement of electoral laws and code of conduct.

And Mr Chilombe says FODEP has observed that the shifting of locations for polling stations in some parts of the country have brought about some inconvenience and confusion in some electorates.

He says in some voters in Mwinilunga shunned casting their votes due to the relocation of the polling station from FTC Kanyikombwe primary school.

Mr Chilombe adds that in Ndola, the shifting of the polling station for Chibesakunda polling station from Lubuto High School to Lubuto Community school caused considerable inconvenience to the voters.

Meanwhile FODEP has commended voters for turning up in large numbers to exercise their democratic right by taking part in the elections.