Take responsibility, ECZ Chair tells political leaders

ECZ Chairperson Justice Esau Chulu

The Electoral Commission of Zambia says political party leaders should take full responsibility of the actions of their supporters and cadres.

ECZ Chairperson Justice Esau Chulu says political parties should not view next month’s elections as a matter of life and death.

Speaking in Lusaka this morning during a meeting of all presidential candidates on the need for peaceful campaigns, Justice Chulu reminded the candidates who include President Edgar Lungu of the commitment they made to ensure peaceful campaigns during the interparty indaba facilitated by the church.

He has also called on the police to apply the public order Act fairly as they maintain law and order.

Justice Chulu however, states that Police should ensure that perpetrators of violence and anyone caught abrogating the electoral code of conduct is dealt with firmly, without favor.

And Justice Chulu says the commission has been closely monitoring events on the ground in Lusaka and Namwala districts has established that the political environment has been relatively quite following suspension of campaigns.

He however regretted that some political parties have abrogated the ban as branded campaign vehicles have been seen moving around.

Those attending the meeting which has gone into a closed door session are UPND president Hakainde Hichilema,UPP’s Saviour Chishimba,FDD’s Edith Nawakwi, and Rainbow party’s Wynter Kabimba among others.