Give ECZ space – Lungu

President Edgar Lungu has called on Zambians to give the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) the space to conduct the 2016 elections.

The president says the Commission has proven its worth and there is no cause for alarm as far as its ability to conduct credible elections is concerned.

Speaking after casting his vote at Andrew Mwenya polling station in Chawama this morning, President Lungu has underscored the need for Zambians to ensure the elections pass off peacefully.

And Andrew Mwenya polling station presiding officer Mubiana Mwenya says voters started queuing up at the polling station as early as 04.00 hours and by 9.00 hours, 300 registered voters had cast their votes.

He expressed optimism that the station will record a good turn out before the close of voting at 18:00 hours.

And African Union head of the election observation mission Goodluck Jonathan has commended Zambians for conducting peaceful elections so far.

Mr. Jonathan who is also former Nigerian President says he is hopeful that Zambia will maintain its good reputation of holding free and fair elections.

And American Ambassador to Zambia Erick Shultz is urging all Presidential candidates to accept the outcome of the elections.

Meanwhile the European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission (EOM) has described as largely peaceful the ongoing the voting in today’s general election.

Giving a preliminary observation, the EU EOM which has 120 election observers countrywide has taken note that voting in approximately half the polling stations begun at 06:00hrs with the rest within the hour of opening.

Chief Observer Cecile Kyenge has told QTV news that her team has also observed that at the time the polls were opening, essential election materials were available in most polling stations.

Ms. Kyenge notes that the majority of the polling stations had long queues of voters waiting to cast their vote in the early hours of voting.

She states that the number of people that have turned up to vote is a sign that Zambians understand the importance of the election.