Zambia's electoral body threatens to suspend campaigns due to violence

Zambia's electoral body on Friday warned that it will be forced to suspend campaigns in the run up to the August polls if violence continues.

The electoral body has also said it will disqualify any political party or candidate in breach of the electoral code of conduct.

Clashes between supporters of incumbent President Edgar Lungu and main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has marred campaigns ahead of the August 11 polls.

"The ECZ has noted with dismay the rising violence and intolerance that has characterized the campaigns. The ECZ is warning all parties to refrain from violence or it will suspend all campaigns," said Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Public Relations Manager Cris Akufuna.

He told reporters during a press briefing that the country's electoral law gives the electoral body powers to suspend all political party campaigns if parties continued to engage in violence and that the electoral body was also empowered to suspend any political party which breaches the electoral code of conduct.

Zambia will hold presidential, parliamentary and local government polls on August 11 amid concerns over rising violence, which has resulted in some deaths. Endit