Political Parties Sign Resolution to End Violence in Chilanga

Political parties participating in the Chilanga District Chairperson By-Election on 26 July have taken measures to end violence in the district by drawing up ten resolutions which were signed by the parties, the Police and the District Electoral Officer who is also the Council Secretary.

Among the resolutions signed by UPND, PF and UPPZ, Police and the Council Secretary was a call to political parties not to import cadres to the district during the campaign period and command centres to be immediately disbanded after the campaign period ends on 25th July as well as voters to leave polling stations immediately after voting.

According to the statement released to the media by Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) public Relations Manager, Ms Margaret Chimanse, the parties also resolved that offensive weapons should not be carried during the campaign period while door to door campaigns were restricted to three people and campaign messages to be issue based with no character assassination.

The parties further resolved to abide by the district campaign schedule and called for enhanced police presence at polling stations while maintaining routine patrols. It is hoped that these measures shall help maintain peace during campaigns and poll day for the Commission to deliver credible elections.

Meanwhile, United Party for National Development (UPND) Spokesperson Charles Kakoma has denied reports from PF that the UPND cadres attacked the residence of Karen Mukata, young sister to former Chilanga Member of Parliament Hon Keith Mukata.