ECZ lifts Mazabuka campaign ban

By MUBITA KATETE 

POLITICAL parties and candidates contesting in Mazabuka Central Constituency can now resume their campaign activities after the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has officially lifted the suspension that had been imposed due to security concerns.

The commission announced that campaigns could resume following a review which confirmed that conditions necessary for peaceful political activities had now been restored.

Last week, ECZ suspended all campaign activities involving political parties and independent candidates in the constituency after violence and an unstable security situation raised concerns over the safety of contestants and members of the public ahead of the August 13 general elections.

In a statement, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro said the decision to lift the suspension followed consultations with relevant stakeholders, who confirmed that measures put in place to restore peace and order had proven effective.

“This decision follows the review of the prevailing situation in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

The review has confirmed that the conditions and measures required to ensure a peaceful, secure and conducive campaign environment have been fully met,” Mr Kasaro said.

He explained that the commission was now satisfied that political parties and candidates could continue with their campaigns in line with the Electoral Process Act and the Electoral Code of Conduct.

Mr Kasaro, however, cautioned political players against engaging in acts that could trigger a repeat of the violence that led to the suspension.

“The commission urges all political parties, candidates, their supporters, and the general public to continue conducting themselves peacefully and responsibly and to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct,” he said.

Ends.