‘Maintain peace in Lukashya’

POLITICAL parties and their candidates participating in the Lukashya by-election must observe electoral rules, Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Commissioner Emily Sikazwe has advised.

Voters in Lukashya constituency in Kasama and Mwansabombwe constituency go to the polls on September 17.

Dr Sikazwe said political parties with their candidates should maintain peaceful campaigns and observe all the lectorral rules. She said political parties should selling their ideas to the electorate and explain what they would do for them once voted into office.

Dr Sikazwe warned all political parties to desist from ferrying political cadres from other parts of the country to Lukashya as the habit was a source of political violence.

Dr Sikazwe also called on the media to cover all political parties participating in the by-election with fairness and factually.

She was speaking at Kasama Boys’ Secondary School during nomination briefing for stakeholders. Nominations were conducted yesterday from 09:00 hours up to 15:00 hours and campaigns have since started.

Earlier Kasama District Electoral Officer, Zakeyo Mbao, called on stakeholders to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.

Mr Mbao, who is also Kasama Town Clerk, called on polling officers to be mindful of the follow rules and regulations.

Lukashya seat fell vacant following the death of Independent Member of Parliament Mwenya Munkonge last month.