Zambia's electoral body says will not lift ban on campaigns

Zambia's electoral body said on Wednesday that it will not lift a ban on campaigns despite pressure from some stakeholders.

Last Friday, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) imposed a 10-day suspension of campaigns in Lusaka, the country's capital and Namwala district, south of the country due to an escalation of violence ahead of general elections next month.

But some political parties and other stakeholder have condemned the blanket suspension, saying the electoral body should have targeted the parties perpetrating violence instead of disturbing campaigns of all parties.

Cris Akufuna, the electoral body's spokesperson said the commission will not lift the suspension because it wanted erring political parties to reflect on their supporters' transgressions, according to state broadcaster the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.

He said the electoral body will not succumb to the pressure from some quarters because its decision was backed by law and has since challenged concerned stakeholders to seek judicial review over its decision.

So far, the opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has taken the matter to the Constitutional Court accusing the electoral body of violating the party's democratic right.

Violence has marred campaigns in the run up to the August 11 general elections, especially between supporters of incumbent President Edgar Lungu and leading opposition presidential contender Hakainde Hichilema.

On June 19, the electoral body threatened that it will be forced to suspend campaigns if violence continues. Endit