By Mast Reporter
ELECTORAL Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis has censured the United Party for National Development (UPND) and the opposition New Congress Party (NCP), a member of the Tonse Alliance, over the violence that erupted in Petauke central constituency.
During a meeting between the involved parties and police yesterday, Zaloumis said the commission does not condone any form of violence,
She said the event that took place recently in Petauke involving the two political parties is regrettable.
“Today’s [yesterday] meeting has been called to discuss the recent violent incident between the New Congress Party (NCP) and the United Party for National Development (UPND), which occurred in Minga Ward, Petauke District,” she said. “Further, the Commission has received complaints from Petauke District relating to non-adherence to the campaign timetable drawn by the Commission to guide parties and candidates during the campaign period.”
Zaloumis said : “To address this matter, the Commission has called you, the leadership of the two political parties involved in the violence and alleged breach of campaign timetable.”
Zaloumis said due to the nature of the allegations, the Zambia Police Service had been invited to attend the meeting.
“Our objective is to hear from you, to gain clarity on the issues raised, and to chart a way forward that upholds the integrity of our electoral process. It is for this reason that I request that we be candid in our discussion so that at the end of this meeting, we will be presented with solutions on how we can move forward together,” she said. “Once again, I thank you all for your presence here today and for your commitment to ensuring a credible electoral process in Zambia.”
