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The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has described the just ended Lubansenshi and Solwezi Central parliamentary by elections as not free and fair.
FODEP Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi said the two parliamentary by elections were not free and fair as they were characterized by electoral malpractices such as blackmail, irregularities, intimidation and harassment.
Mr. Chipenzi however noted that the ruling party has gained political ground in Shang’ombo and Sikongo Districts of Western Province and is making inroads in some districts of Eastern Province which was a stronghold for the former ruling party, MMD.
He noted that North Western province has remained a stronghold for the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) despite government initiating a number of development projects in the region.
He observed that the race in the 2016 tripartite election will be between the Patriotic Front and the UPND while the Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) will trail behind in third position.
Meanwhile FODEP has called on the media to offer fair media coverage to all participating political parties during an election in order to help candidates reach out to electorates.
Mr. Chipenzi was speaking when he addressed journalists at a press briefing held at FODEP house in Lusaka today.
How do you expect them to be free when police brutality, vote buying and political intimidation is entertained. Political opponents are being arrested and released after elections, that is bad in democratic nation like Zambia.
For sure they were not free. Too much political intimidation, police brutality and vote buying was the talk. Institutions running elections must be firm and morally upright . They should not side any political player, in stead firm.