Observe ECZ rules, political parties told

By NATION REPORTER Monze district electoral officer Frank Kalenga has urged all political parties that will participate in the forth-coming Mwanza East Local government by- elections to strictly adhere to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) electoral code of conduct at all times to ensure that the polls are conducted in a free and fair environment.

Addressing party officials from various political parties, aspiring candidates and stakeholders in the council chamber over the weekend, Mr. Kalenga observed that the district had conducted many elections before adding that any acts of electoral violence would not be tolerated.

He advised all stakeholders to remain vigilant and promptly report any acts of electoral malpractices to police and the commission to ensure that the polls are incident free.

Mr. Kalenga who is also district council secretary said the Local Government Elections to be held on April 24 was an opportunity for people to make their voices heard by casting their ballot papers adding that any electoral malpractices that might hinder people from exercising their right to vote for a candidate of their choice would not be entertained.

"I wish to implore all of you that we need to strictly adhere to the electoral code of conduct and avoid any acts that might jeopardise these elections. We have had peaceful elections before in the district and therefore, let’s us maintain that good record by doing the right things so that electorates exercise their democratic right to choose a candidate of their choice freely," said Mr. Kalenga.

Mr. Kalenga also informed senior party officials from the United Party For National Development (UPND), Patriotic Front (PF), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rainbow Party, and United National Independence Party (UNIP) who attended the briefing that the nominations for the by-elections would take place on Tuesday, March 27 in Mwanza East Ward.

The Mwanza East Ward elections follow the death of United Party for National Development (UPND) councillor Ms Bridget Matobo last year.