Chikwanda hails successful voter education in Mpika

Mpika District Voter Education Coordinator Martha Chikwanda has expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of voter education activities in Mpika District, describing the smoothly proceeding exercise so far as a success. Chikwanda said that despite the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s voter education programme running concurrently with political party campaigns across the district, there have been no reports of conflicts between political parties and voter educators on the ground. She noted that the parallel running of voter education and campaign activities was a potential area of concern before deployment, but both processes have so far been conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner, which she said is encouraging.

Ms Chikwanda added that from the time voter educators were deployed eight days ago, many communities across Mpika District have been reached and sensitised on their right to vote and the importance of electing leaders of their own choice. Chikwanda noted that the response from community members has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents showing a keen interest in understanding the electoral processes ahead of the August 2026 general elections. She has also urged voter educators to remain non-partisan and impartial when delivering voter education to various communities, stressing that their credibility depends on their ability to remain neutral at all times.

Meanwhile, the United Party for National Development (UPND) District Chairperson Mulenga Mwanashiku has appealed to all political parties in the district to continue upholding peaceful co-existence and campaign in a manner that respects the law and fellow citizens. Mr Mwanashiku expressed happiness that political parties are adhering to the campaign timetable issued by the Electoral Commission of Zambia, describing the compliance as an encouraging sign of political maturity among competing parties in the district. He pointed out that politics is about political parties selling their manifestos to the electorate and not about violence or insulting one another, urging all stakeholders to keep the campaign environment free of hostility.

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And Mpika North Constituency aspiring candidate for National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) Primos Chilumba has appealed to voters not to allow any politician to use them to cause violence or any abrogation against the electoral code of conduct. He expressed concern the youths are major victims of political violence hence should not be fail victims to violent politicians at any cost. “I hope the peace that we are enjoying now, will continue even after the announcements of election results after 13th August,” he said.

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