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The Patriotic Front (PF) has challenged the Electoral of Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to prove its integrity by barring the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) from contesting in the forthcoming ward by-elections on the basis of violent conduct.
PF Vice President, Given Lubinda, has accused the UPND of colluding with state institutions to rig the forthcoming by-elections because it has become very unpopular due to the hardships that Zambians are experiencing.
Addressing journalists at a media briefing in Lusaka on Wednesday, Lubinda however expressed doubt if the ECZ will enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct on the UPND because it is led by people affiliated to the ruling party.
He has challenged the Commission to cleanse itself by ensuring that the ruling party is barred from the polls in accordance with the law.
“ECZ has sufficient powers under the Electoral Processes Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct to bar any political party or candidate who engages in electoral violence from contesting elections and we challenge them to use their powers to bar UPND,” Lubinda said.
He said UPND knew too well that they have completely lost the support of the people and have resorted to all underhand methods to win the forthcoming by-elections.
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“In Chililabimbwe, they are colluding with the Police to stop out members from campaigning. On Monday 10th April, Hon. Chishimba Kambwili, Hon. Bowman Lusambo and other senior members of our party were blocked by the Police from conducting a scheduled campaign meeting which was to be convened in accordance with the ECZ timetable,” Lubinda said.
The ECZ has set April 20, 2023 as the date for by-elections of three Wards one being in Chililabombwe District on the Copperbelt, Lupososhi in Northern and Serenje in Central Province respectively.
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