Political parties pledge to uphold electoral code of conduct

POLITICAL parties taking part in the Bulilo local government by-election in Chilubi have pledged to uphold the electoral code of conduct ahead of next week’s polls.

Speaking in separate interviews, leaders from the three political parties namely, Patriotic Front, United Party for National Development (UPND) and Movement for Change and Equality (MCEP) also promised to continue adhering to measures against Covid-19.

PF deputy campaign manager, Mulenga Fube, said the ruling party is conducting peaceful and development focused campaigns.

Mr Fube, who is also Chilubi Member of Parliament, added that upholding peace is the responsibility of players in the electoral process.

And MCEP president, Kaluba Simuyemba, said electoral violence is retrogressive to both the development of democracy and the nation.

Mr Simuyemba added that there is need to stiffen the country’s laws against perpetrators of violence as a deterrent measure.

Meanwhile, UPND Chilubi District chairperson, Epidius Mwakwa, said they are campaigning within the confines of the law and has urged its members to comply with measures put in place against Coronavirus.

“The UPND is a law- abiding party and we are campaigning within the confines of the electoral code and we are aware of the COVID-19 pandemic. We take measures put in place to avoid the spread of the disease seriously,” he said.

The Bulilo local government seat fell vacant following the resignation of the councillor, Albert Lwanga, on April 1, this year.

Bulilo ward has a total number of 2, 959 registered voters and four polling stations. – ZANIS.