ECZ HAILS ZAMBIA POLICE SERVICE FOR MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER DURING ELECTIONS
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), has commended the Zambia Police Service for working tirelessly to ensure that the country continues to enjoy peace whenever elections are held.
ECZ commissioner, MacDonald Chipenzi, observes that the past by-elections held in different parts of the country were held in a peaceful environment due to the professional conduct of the police service despite the challenges that come with elections.
Speaking during a Nomination briefing with Nakatambo Ward By-elections aspiring candidates, Mr Chipenzi, hoped that the people in Nakatambo will give respect to the Police and maintain Law and Order.
“We can only talk about free and fair elections if there is Law and Order. If there is mayhem, fights, insults and lack of respect to the police, then that election can never be free and fair,” he said.
He urged political parties to report all grievances that may arise during the by-election to the District Conflict Management Committee which is a structure of ECZ set to resolve minor conflicts within the electoral process.
“Avoid going to social media, make a formal report to the Conflict Management Committee, that is the only way that will allow the commission to act or address your grievances, we will not act in a vacuum, in innuendos or speculations” he said.
Mr Chipenzi added that, if the committee fails to handle the matter, they can escalate it to the Commission Headquarters where the issues will be sorted out. He however stated that matters of criminal nature should be reported to the police as that is criminality and not politics.
“Where there is criminality, someone has been assaulted, report to the police. If it is politics where someone has insulted another, report to the Conflict Management Committee,” he said.
Mr Chipenzi further urged all candidates to come with adoption papers that are signed by duly registered office bearers who are registered at the Registrar of Societies adding that anything outside that will be a rejection.
And Nakatambo by-election Returning Officer, Sylvester Mubita, urged aspiring candidates to come with all the ECZ stipulated requirements for filing in nominations.
He stated that the requirements include, Grade 12 Certificate, completed Nomination form, National Registration Card and letter or certificate of adoption from the sponsoring political party.
Mr Mubita said other documents include; certificate of clearance from the council, affidavit form and signed electoral code of conduct.