ECZ suspends campaigns in Lusaka and Namwala

The electoral commission of Zambia (ECZ) has suspended political campaigns in Lusaka and Namwala due to escalating levels of violence in the two districts.

Yesterday, police in Lusaka used live bullets to break up a UPND procession, killing one cadre while leaving two others nursing serious gunshot wounds. The incident followed the decision by police to cancel a planned UPND campaign rally in Chawama.

ECZ spokesperson Cripin Akufuna announced the decision in a media statement, saying the commission is exercising its powers under section 28 (2) of the Electoral Act No. 35 of 2016.

He said the commission is dismayed with the rising cases of politically motivated violence in the two districts, that has resulted in injuries, loss of life and property.

He explained that campaigns have been suspended in the whole of Lusaka and Namwala districts for ten days with effect from today, July 9 up to Tuesday, July 19, 2016.

He says no public rallies, meetings, processions or door-to-door campaigns will be allowed to take place during the period, adding that all branded vehicles are to be parked. He further said all campaigns in the two districts will be restricted to print and electronic media and that hate speech will not be entertained.

Akufuna called on police to ensure that the directive is complied with by all parties.