Traditional leaders urged to advise subjects on electoral code of conduct

Traditional leaders urged to advise subjects on electoral code of conduct

Solwezi, June 25, ZANIS ——Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Commissioner Minerva Tembo has appealed to traditional leaders to advise their subjects to desist from engaging themselves in electoral malpractices that can lead to a breakdown of law and order.

Mrs Tembo said ECZ has observed with sadness the escalating levels of intolerance among political players who have blatantly disregarded the provisions of the electoral law with impunity.

The ECZ Commissioner was speaking in Solwezi today during the Traditional leaders meeting on the electoral process.  

Mrs Tembo urged traditional leaders to advise their subjects to desist from malpractices during campaigns as they play an important role in the electoral process as custodians of peace.

She said it is of great concern for ECZ that some traditional leaders have been accused of intimidating and persuading their subjects to act in a particular political manner and others reported openly engaging in active politics.

 Mrs Tembo however, urged traditional leaders to take keen interest in the provisions of the electoral code of conduct and learn how it affects stakeholders in the electoral process.

 The meeting was convened ahead of the forthcoming Solwezi East constituency parliamentary by-elections slated for July 25 following the resignation of Movement for Multi-party Democracy area member of parliament Richard Taima to join the ruling Patriot Front.