SACCORD BACKS ECZ
By Mark Ziligone
The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes -SACCORD- has called on political players to respect the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia -ECZ- to suspend campaigns for the PF and opposition UPND in some districts.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Chembe says the move should be welcomed by all stakeholders because it has been taken in the best interest of the country.
Mr. Chembe says the recent happenings involving the ruling PF and opposition UPND are a recipe to voter apathy ahead of the August 12 general election.
He has told ZNBC News the move should NOT be taken as a negative development but one that aims to address the situation for the better.
Mr. Chembe said if electoral violence continues, it will cause serious intimidation to the electorate in the country.
He said this is why the move by the commission to suspend road shows and campaigns is timely.
And the Democracy and Motherland Defenders Coalition has commended the ECZ for the ban on campaign activities in Lusaka, Namwala, Mpulungu and Nakonde, saying the move will enhance discipline among political players.
The coalition has also called on the ECZ not to hesitate to impose even more stiffer punishment if the political parties do not change their violent ways of conducting campaigns.
Coalition Spokesperson Andrew Ntewewe says the coalition will continue to monitor the situation before, during and after the 2021 August general election.
Mr. Ntewewe was speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka today.