Africa-Press – Zambia. THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says it will not hesitate to impose sanctions such as disqualifying a political party or candidates found breaching the electoral code of conduct.
Speaking yesterday when he lifted the ban on PF and UPND in Mpulungu, Nakonde and Namwala, ECZ chief electoral officer Patrick Nshindano said the Commission has also noted with concern an increase in hate speech by political parties in their campaign messages.
He said hate speech during campaigns is against the Electoral Code of Conduct. Mr Nshindano called on the media not to entertain such utterances. “As guided by the Electoral Code of Conduct, media houses should ensure that all adverts and political party programmes are recorded and stored for reference,” he said.
And the Commission says measures such as the suspension of rallies and road shows still apply for all political parties. “Political parties and independent candidates are further reminded that it is unlawful to remove campaign materials such as posters and banners belonging to an opposing party or candidate and the Commission will equally apply sanctions on erring parties,” he said.
Yesterday, the commission fully lifted the suspension of campaigns for the PF and UPND in Mpulungu, Nakonde and Namwala. ECZ suspended the PF and UPND from campaigning after they were singled out as the main perpetrators of political violence in those areas.
