The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has said that it will maintain the ban on rallies and roadshows for all political parties in Lusaka.
In a statement broadcast live on their social media page as an official notification to parties, the commission said that is not fully satisfied with the conduct of the Patriotic Front and United Party for National Development in Lusaka and that the Commission has received a number of incidences in Lusaka that are under investigation.
The commission further said that it has only partially lifted the suspension in Lusaka District, meaning that aLL physical campaigns remain suspended, but in addition to the spot adverts and documentaries that were allowed on various media platforms, the Commission will allow the two political parties to air programmes on radio and television as well as publish articles in the newspapers. The partial suspension is effective immediately and will be reviewed after 14 days.
However, the commission announced that it has fully lifted the suspension of campaigns for the PF and UPND in Mpulungu, Nakonde and Namwala following the satisfactory conduct of the two political parties in these jurisdictions.
Below is the full Statement
Media Personnel and everyone following us through our social media platforms, Good afternoon and welcome to this virtual briefing.
As you may be aware, the Commission suspended all manner of political campaigns for the Patriotic Front and United Party for National Development in Lusaka, Mpulungu, Namwala and Nakonde Districts due to escalating violence. The suspension was for a period of 14 days.
The Commission further indicated that it would be following the activities of both the PF and UPND with keen interest in this period in the affected districts and beyond.
Today, we are here to give you an update on the conduct of the two political parties as well as the Commission decision on the matter.
The Commission has reviewed the situation and we would like to announce that we have fully lifted the suspension of campaigns for the PF and UPND in Mpulungu, Nakonde and Namwala following the satisfactory conduct of the two political parties in these jurisdictions.
The Commission however is not fully satisfied with the conduct of the Patriotic Front and United Party for National Development in Lusaka. The Commission has received a number of incidences in Lusaka that are under investigation.
In this regard, the Commission has only partially lifted the suspension in Lusaka District. This means that ALL physical campaigns remain suspended. However, in addition to the spot adverts and documentaries that were allowed on various media platforms, the Commission will allow the two political parties to air programmes on radio and television as well as publish articles in the newspapers. The partial suspension is effective immediately and will be reviewed after 14 days.
Let me also mention that we have received reports from Luangwa, Chililabombwe, Kitwe and Nsumbu districts involving the two political parties. These are under investigation and that the Commission will take appropriate action after the conclusion of the investigations.
The Commission would like to caution as earlier indicated, that we will not hesitate to impose sanctions on erring political parties and this may include disqualifying political parties/candidates who will be found breaching the Electoral Code of Conduct.
At this point, allow me to mention that other measures such as the suspension of rallies and road shows still apply for all political parties. The COVID-19 situation in the country is a well-known fact and we will not belabour the point.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Commission has also noted with concern an increase in hate speech by political parties in their campaign messages. This is against the Electoral Code of Conduct and the media is being called upon 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.
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.
In conclusion, let me reiterate the Commission’s position of encouraging all political players to be tolerant and promote coexistence.
The Commission would also like to remind the various political parties that the country is still mourning the First Republican President Dr Kenneth D. Kaunda. Their conduct should reflect his legacy especially that of a united and peaceful Zambia. As we head to the 2021 general election, let’s remind ourselves of the the peace and democracy we cherish today because of the sacrifices that Dr Kaunda made
I thank you
PF and lungu are between a rock and a hard place……..
Even if they have campaigns suspended, people are still unemployed and hungry……
If they have campaign bans lifted , they mostly see
” fowardee, forward….fowardee, forward…”
I will never understand violence under the tutelage of political incitement. I also refuse to accept it because these are citizens of the same country that they would love to lead. No sense at all really.
Mwachita bwino ba ecz because HH ni m.b.o.Io yoyuma ujah
Spaka take your a hot wire and roughly poke your a.n.u.s with it. That is how you will feel in August when your tribal leaders cries ati bandibela vote basaaa
So what kind of free, fair and credible Elections are these without Rallies and Road Shows? Are the Election Monitors and Observers going door to door to observe these Elections? Has ECZ set the Time Table for all Political Parties to flight Campaign Adverts and Messages on ZNBC and State Media? Its obvious these Elections are going to be declared not free, fair and credible. If ECL steals the Elections International Sanctions on PF Election Riggers beckons. The writing is on the wall.
The stup!d troll from the UK named KZ will be SO embarrassed come August 12! He doesn’t realize Zambians are SO finished with the totally incompetent Edgar China Lungu! Go dig a hole for yourself KZ! PF: Lying about everything, not delivering anything!
Without Political Rallies and Road Shows how can Elections be declared free,fair and credible? ECZ has failed to force ZNBC and State Media to air Opposition Parties and allow them to flight their Campaign messages and adverts. So how can Opposition Parties Campaign in this Election? The Hard Economy, PF Cadre Violence, lawlessness etc has forced Voters to make their minds. Another 5 years under ECL and PF Cadre Rule will be suicidal for Zambians.
The ECZ Rally and Road Shows bans are directed at the Popular HH and UPND Alliance. PF thinks that by banning Rallies and Road Shows HH and UPND Alliance will be blocked from Campaigning. PF are Campaigning for HH and UPND Alliance by so doing. People have already made up their minds. They want a change of Govt on August 12. Whether ECL and PF likes it or not most Zambians are going to vote 4 HH and UPND Alliance. The writing is on the wall.
Patriotic Zambians pity HH supporters, I think even they are embarrassed with their leader. But cannot express in public.
UPND is the mosttiisglife! We are surave ever come across in my entire life! We are surrounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, the deang state, and what #Bally is concerned about, his campaign?
and what #Bally is concerned about, his campaign?
Hichilema is 24×7 dreaming about being President of Zambia. But, he didn’t even ke!w the basic protocols of this nation. What a joke!
Hichilema is such a shameless and careless person! He didn’t found alnee political campaign activities!uming his so-called political campaign activities!
My question is, campaign activities, after this major announcement?
mpaign activities, after this major announcement?
We demand serious acth of Zambiion is above the lives of people.
paign, or election is above the lives of people.
paign, or election is above the lives of people.
After investigation, the ECZ wiaching all rules. Mark my words!re involved in breaching all rules. Mark my words!
UPND goons are still roaming on roads without wearing masks, arrest them!
….but kashimba Chimbwili is still campaigning. Selective or what?