Africa-Press – Zambia. THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has suspended Patriotic Front (PF) member Chishimba Kambwili from conducting any electoral activities. ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Patrick Nshindano said the commission will not allow hate speech by political parties in their campaign messages. He said hate speech is against the Electoral Code of Conduct and has asked the media houses not to entertain such utterances.
“The Commission noted with concern an increase in hate speech by political parties in their campaign messages. This is against the Electoral Code of Conduct and we called upon media houses not to entertain such utterances. As guided by the Electoral Code of Conduct, media houses were further asked to ensure that all adverts and political party programmes were recorded and stored for reference. The Commission also mentioned that it was investigating other matters reported in various districts and that the public would be made aware of the Commission’s findings or indeed decision,” Mr Nshindano said.
He said ECZ will not hesitate to impose sanctions on erring political parties or candidates found breaching the electoral Code of Conduct. “The Commission has reviewed some of these cases and today, we would like to address the conduct of Mr Chishimba Kambwili, a Member of the Patriotic Front. The Commission has noted with serious concern the breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct by Mr Kambwili, particularly, the use of hate speech and holding of campaign rallies despite the guidance provided. The use of language which incites hatred or violence in any form against any person shall not be tolerated by the Commission as it contravenes the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct.”
“Additionally, going against Commission decision to suspend rallies and roadshows does not only undermine the work of the stakeholders, it also puts the country at risk in as far as the spread of COVID-19 is concerned. Arising from this, the Commission would like to announce that Mr Kambwili has been suspended indefinitely, subject to review, from participating in any campaign activities in line with paragraph 11(i)(d)
of the Electoral Code of Conduct,” he said. Mr Nshindano said the commission is still reviewing other cases before it and appropriate action will be taken against any perpetrator of hate speech or indeed any other violation of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
He said the Commission continues to encourage all political players to be tolerant and promote coexistence. “Let me reiterate our position of encouraging all stakeholders in the electoral process to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct,” he said.
