Socialist Party accuses Electoral Commission of paying lip service to alleged electoral violence by ruling UPND

The Socialist Party (SP) has criticised the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), accusing it of offering lip service and failing to take action against the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) for alleged electoral violence.

Trymore Mwenda, SP’s Chairperson for Elections, alleged during a media briefing in Lusaka on Thursday that the ECZ had not punished the UPND despite evidence of political violence perpetrated by the ruling party.

He emphasized the importance of the Commission maintaining its integrity by ensuring all political parties could participate freely on a level playing field.

Mwenda expressed some satisfaction that the ECZ recently announced measures to penalise any political party involved in electoral violence.

“The ECZ announced nine by-elections countrywide. As SP has always done and will continue to do, we are engaging voters and participating in these by-elections, regardless of the circumstances that led to them,” he stated.

The SP leader highlighted ongoing collaborations with various stakeholders including the Church, labour movements, political parties, and traditional leaders, emphasizing the importance of gathering wisdom necessary to lead Zambia effectively.

“We have actively engaged student unions and other groups to exchange ideas on a wide range of issues,” Mwenda added.

Regarding upcoming elections, Mwenda announced SP’s participation in eight by-elections across multiple provinces, expressing concern about alleged undesirable tactics used by other parties in Luapula Province’s Kawambwa constituency.

The SP’s stance underscores ongoing political dynamics and preparations ahead of Zambia’s electoral processes.

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