ECZ Encourages PF and UPND To Stand Together and Denounce Violence
In an unlikely turn of events the UPND and PF will today hold a joint press conference to denounce violence. Both the UPND and PF have had trouble with supporters routinely clashing and in some cases hurting one another
The up and coming Lusaka Mayoral elections on July 26 have put pressure on both parties to do more to create a more peaceful political climate.
FULL STATEMENT
COMMUNIQUÉ RELEASED BY THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA ON THE EXPECTED CONDUCT OF THE PATRIOTIC FRONT (PF) AND THE UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (UPND) FOR THE LUSAKA MAYORAL BY-ELECTION AND OTHER DISTRICT AND WARD BY-ELECTIONS SCHEDULED FOR
26 JULY 2018
19 July, 2018
A Communiqué and resolutions thereto were signed on 12 July 2018 in view of Stakeholder expectations for the 26 July 2018 Lusaka Mayoral By-Election and other District and Ward By-Elections. Amongst other resolutions signed, the resolution that comes to the fore is as follows, “That the Commission calls upon leaders of United Party for National Development (UPND) and Patriotic Front (PF) Campaign Teams including youth and women group leaders to be called to the Commission to discuss the curbing of political violence.”
It is in this vein that the Commission has convened a meeting to openly discuss with the Campaign Managers, Chairpersons’ Women and Chairpersons’ Youth from Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND) in terms of conduct of political parties during the by-elections of 26 July 2018.
The political parties present have unanimously resolved as follows:
- That the Chairpersons of the Youth, Women and Campaign Managers from UPND and PF shall hold a Joint Press Conference on Friday, 20th July 2018 to address the Nation. In this Joint Press Conference, that both parties have agreed to call a truce and disarm their militant members;
- That the Police should execute their work professionally without any political interference and arrest any person carrying offensive weapons and/or perpetrating violence;
- That both political parties should demilitarise their political regalia going forward and allow the electorates to move around and vote freely;
4.That an appeal be made to the media to report factually and professionally.
We further wish to reiterate that we remain firm in ensuring that we will not clash and/or disrupt campaigns of other political parties. Furthermore, we will allow the electorate to vote freely on 26 July 2018 without any threats of violence, force or intimidation.
Issued by
Margaret Chimanse
Public Relations Manager
For/Chief Electoral Officer