Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has issued a stern warning that it will be compelled to cancel and disqualify anyone found committing acts of violence in the by-elections slated for 5th June 2018.
ECZ Public Relations Manager Margaret Chimase says the commission is deeply concerned with rising levels of intolerance and political violence that have characterized the nominations on 3 may 2018 so far.
Ms. Chimase has stated that the electoral act and the electoral code of conduct both empowers the commission to suspend all campaigns and disqualify candidates that will be found wanting.
She has since appealed to all political parties to urge to refrain from acts of violence or risk disqualification.
Meanwhile ms. Chimase has revealed that the commission received reports of intimidation from their officers of an incident in Luangwa ward, Nyimba District that took place during nominations to which the commission is actually addressing.
She says the commission reaffirms the stakeholder expectations agreed upon by the church mother bodies and political parties on Monday 30th april 2018.
Ms. Chimase adds it is important that political parties honor their expectations which include the need for political parties to refrain from clashing and verbal disputes in an addition to provocation which can propel undesirable acts of violence.