The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has called on political parties and aspiring candidates to utilize District Conflict Management Committees that have been trained to handle electoral disputes.
ZANIS reports that speaking during the Conflict Management training in Limulunga, ECZ Commissioner, Mcdonald Chipenzi said the commission will not mediate over matters from districts that have not been referred by the district committees.
Mr Chipenzi advised the committee to be prepared at all times to sit over matters that arise during elections.
The District Conflict Management Committee has concluded a five days re-training which has capacitated members to mediate over electoral dispute in Limulunga.
“I told aspiring candidates and political parties that, if you rush to the Commission in Lusaka over conflicts, we will still take you back to the committee in Limulunga, after the Limulunga Conflict Management Committee has finished its work, then it can be escalated to the Commission,” Mr Chipenzi said.
Speaking at the same event, Limulunga Conflict Management Chairperson, Reverend Michael Mwansa has urged contesting political parties to desist from causing agitation but promote peace.
Mr Mwanza said the training was fruitful and has adequately prepared members to help resolve any conflict that may arise during elections.
“The time of election is not the time of war, remember we have the bigger picture, we are coming from one society and people who will be contending are our own brothers and sisters,” Rev. Mwansa said.
Meanwhile, District Electoral Officer, Namenda Kaonga appealed to all political players participating in the election to respect the electorate code of conduct, stating that violence is not expected.
Mr Kaonga said political aspirants in the ward by-election should sell their manifestos to the people amicably.
“Let us strictly follow the electoral code of conduct. We do not expect any violence because people are just there to sell their manifestos, you have information to communicate to would be voters, we do not therefore expect violence,” he stated.
The conflict team comprises of officers from government departments such as the Police, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the media, Human Rights Commission, Civil Society Organisations, an eminent person and the Church.
The campaign period for the by-election will commence tomorrow Friday, ahead of the polls slated for May 2nd, 2024 after former area councillor Mulako Mubita resigned after he was recruited in the teaching service.
