STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR FAIR APPLICATION OF SANCTIONS IN ELECTORAL VIOLENCE CASES
By Nelson Zulu and Joseph Kaputula
The Foundation For Democratic Process-FODEP- is urging the Electoral Commission Of Zambia-ECZ- to ensure consistent and equal action against cases of electoral violence across the country, following its decision to suspend campaign activities for the opposition National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity-NRPUP- in Kaputa constituency.
Speaking in an interview with Phoenix News, FODEP President Mwenda Mumbuna says while the commission's decision demonstrates commitment to maintaining order and upholding the law during the electoral period, similar action should also be taken in other constituencies where cases of political violence have been reported.
Mr. Mumbuna has stressed that consistency in the application of electoral regulations is important to ensure fairness in the electoral process.
He has warned that selective enforcement of the law risks undermining public confidence in the electoral process and urged ECZ to act in a non-partisan manner to guarantee a level playing field for all political players ahead of the polls.
Meanwhile, the Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation-ADEG- has called on ECZ to also suspend campaign activities for the ruling UPND in areas where it is established that its members are responsible for acts of electoral violence.
ADEG Executive Director Gideon Musonda says incidents of violence have not been limited to Kaputa constituency but have also been reported in areas such as Magoye district in Southern Province, where he says there are suspicions linking UPND supporters to the violence.
On Friday, ECZ suspended all campaign activities for NRPUP in Kaputa constituency following violent incidents linked to the party, which resulted in the death of a UPND supporter.
PHOENIX NEWS