ECZ Maintains Campaign Ban in Lusaka

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has said it will maintain its ban on physical campaign events and roadshows for all parties in Lusaka, following a number of incidents involving party cadres that are currently under investigation. 

In a statement broadcast live via social media, the commission lifted the ban on campaigns for the Patriotic Front and United Party for National Development in Mpulungu, Nakonde and Namwala districts. However it said that restrictions on physical gatherings would remain in Lusaka, with only spot adverts and documentaries now allowed, as well as messages in print and broadcast media. 

The partial suspension is effective immediately and will be reviewed after 14 days. It follows a complete ban on campaign activities levied by the ECZ against the PF and UPND two weeks ago for continued acts of political violence. 

Under the ban, the country’s two largest parties were barred from conducting any kind of campaign activities in the aforementioned districts, including via broadcast or print media. In addition, all parties were banned from conducting roadshows, which the ECZ said were in breach of Covid-19 protocols. 

Despite the relaxation on some physical events, roadshows remain banned for all parties and across the country. Full-scale rallies are also banned under a previous decision by the ECZ to restrict mass events in light of increasing numbers of Covid-19 infections. 

ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Patrick Nshindano has reminded all parties to maintain a peaceful process and said it will not hesitate to clamp down on further acts of political violence. It follows reports of clashes between PF and UPND party members in Luangwa, Chililabombwe, Kitwe and Nsumbu districts. These incidents are currently under investigation. 

He also instructed parties to refrain from removing each other’s campaign posters and banners, following a spree of PF attacks against UPND billboards.