Media Personnel and everyone following us through our social media platforms, Good afternoon and welcome to this virtual briefing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you may be aware, the Commission suspended <\/strong>all manner of political campaigns for the Patriotic Front and United Party for National Development in Lusaka, Mpulungu, Namwala and Nakonde Districts due to escalating violence. The suspension was for a period of 14 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nCommission further indicated that it would be following the activities of both\nthe PF and UPND with keen interest in this period in the affected districts and\nbeyond. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Today,\nwe are here to give you an update on the conduct of the two political parties\nas well as the Commission decision on the matter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nCommission has reviewed the situation and we would like to announce that we\nhave fully lifted the suspension of campaigns for the PF and UPND in Mpulungu,\nNakonde and Namwala following the satisfactory conduct of the two political\nparties in these jurisdictions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nCommission however is not fully satisfied with the conduct of the Patriotic\nFront and United Party for National Development in Lusaka. The Commission has received\na number of incidences in Lusaka that are under investigation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In\nthis regard, the Commission has only partially lifted the suspension in Lusaka\nDistrict. This means that ALL<\/strong>\nphysical campaigns remain suspended. However in addition to the spot adverts\nand documentaries that were allowed on various media platforms, the Commission\nwill allow the two political parties to air programmes on radio and television\nas well as publish articles in the newspapers. The partial suspension is effective immediately<\/strong> and will be\nreviewed after 14 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\nme also mention that we have received reports from Luangwa, Chililabombwe,\nKitwe and Nsumbu districts involving the two political parties. These are under\ninvestigation and that the Commission will take appropriate action after the\nconclusion of the investigations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nCommission would like to caution as earlier indicated, that we will not hesitate\nto impose sanctions on erring political parties and this may include\ndisqualifying political parties\/candidates who will be found breaching the\nElectoral Code of Conduct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At\nthis point, allow me to mention that other measures such as the suspension of\nrallies and road shows still apply for all political parties. The COVID-19\nsituation in the country is a well-known fact and we will not belabour the\npoint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ladies\nand Gentlemen, <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nCommission has also noted with concern an increase in hate speech by political\nparties in their campaign messages. This is against the Electoral Code of\nConduct and the media is being called upon not to entertain such utterances. As\nguided by the Electoral Code of Conduct, media houses should ensure that all\nadverts and political party programmes are recorded and stored for reference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Political\nparties and independent candidates are further reminded that it is unlawful to\nremove campaign materials such as posters and banners belonging to an opposing\nparty or candidate and the Commission will equally apply sanctions on erring\nparties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In conclusion, let me reiterate the Commission\u2019s\nposition of encouraging all political players to be\ntolerant and promote coexistence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Commission would also\nlike to remind the various political parties that the country is still mourning\nthe First Republican President Dr Kenneth D. Kaunda. Their conduct should\nreflect his legacy especially that of a united and peaceful Zambia. As we head\nto the 2021 general election, let\u2019s remind ourselves of the the peace and democracy we\ncherish today because of the sacrifices that Dr Kaunda made<\/p>\n\n\n\n I thank you <\/p>\n\n\n\n ……………<\/p>\n\n\n\n