ECZ warns violent political parties
We will not hesitate to disqualify political parties that breach the electoral code of conduct.
WE will not hesitate to disqualify political parties that breach the electoral code of conduct, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has warned. ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, Patrick Nshindano said political violence in the country undermined the credibility of the commission’s mandate.
Mr. Nshindano said at a press briefing that political parties had the ability to conduct violent free activities and should help the Commission to conduct free and fair elections.
“We will not hesitate to disqualify political parties that breach the electoral code of conduct,” he said.
Mr. Nshindano also said ECZ was reviewing the electoral process regulations to speed up the provision of sanctioning for any political party found wanting.
He said that the complaint procedure in the current electoral code of conduct was long and made it impossible for the Commission to operate effectively.
He called on political parties to stop playing blame games but demonstrate good leadership.
And ECZ Secretary and Legal Counsel, Bob Musenga said the Commission had guidelines to comply with which hinders it to make timely decisive decisions when violence was reported.
Mr. Musenga explained that if the commission made a decision without following procedure it risks being challenged in the court of law.