OBSERVE ELECTORAL RULES - ECZ

THERE is need to adhere to the electoral code of conduct during the September 17, 2020 Lunyiwe Ward Local Government by-elections in Kabompo, the returning officer, Richard Shikwesha has said. Mr Shikwesha said adherence to the electoral code was the only prerequisite to guarantee a successful free and fair by-election. He said this at the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) election briefing for aspiring candidates for Lunyiwe ward by-election in Dikolonga yesterday. "Elections will come and go so let us all just please observe and respect the electoral code of conduct which guides us all to have a peaceful free and fair election," Mr Shikwesha said. At the same event, ECZ trainer, Beatrice Mwala advised all the participating political parties to report all cases observed that were of criminal in nature to the Zambia Police as the ECZ only handled cases that were in its jurisdiction. "Kindly report all cases that are criminal in nature as we cannot handle everything that is criminal in nature, that is why we have the police," Ms Mwala said. Meanwhile, Patriotic Front aspiring candidate, Andyson Chinyeka, said that it was time for the people of Lunyiwe to try her as a leader. "I am the best candidate because I want to work with the ruling party. The one that resigned failed. People here have seen me work as a volunteer worker at Dikolonga School and I believe I can deliver," Mr Chinyeka said. The United Party for National Development (UPND) had not yet availed its aspiring candidate by press time. Speaking earlier Kabompo District Health Promotion Officer, Florence Tembo advised the stakeholders to adhere to all Covid-19 regulations by the ministry of health even as people conduct elections. The ECZ has set September 17, this year as the election date for the Lunyiwe ward local government by-election. The seat fell vacant after the incumbent councillor, Maybin Kambuta resigned from the UPND to join the ruling PF in June this year. - ZANIS