ECZ suspends campaigns in Lusaka and Namwala

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has suspended campaigns in Lusaka and Kamwala Districts for a period of 10 days.

The suspension which is with effect from today Saturday the 9th of July to Monday the 18th of July has been triggered by the escalated political violence in the two Districts.

ECZ spokesperson Crispin Akufuna has disclosed in a statement to Qfm News that in suspending the campaigns ECZ exercised its powers under section 28 (2) of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.

Cris Akufuna

And Mr. Akufuna has explained that during the 10 days suspension of the campaigns there will be no public rallies, meetings, processions or door to door campaigns.

He says suspension also includes the parking of all branded campaign vehicles in the two Districts.

Mr. Akufuna says this entails that all campaigns in Lusaka and Namwala Districts will be restricted to electronic and print media alone.

He states that hate speech will however not be taken and that the commission urges  Zambia Police to ensure that political parties and candidates comply with this directive.

Mr. Akufuna says in view of the reports of political violence in Mazabuka, Monze and Gwembe Districts, the commission sternly warns political parties there that it might also suspend campaigns there if the political violence persists.

He says the commission will not hesitate to suspend campaigns in any district where violence will be reported as being promoted.