ECZ suspends campaigns in Mazabuka Central over security concerns

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced the suspension of all political campaign activities in Mazabuka Central Constituency until further notice, citing unstable security situation in the area. Brown Kasaro, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer, stated that the Commission would continue to closely monitor the situation in collaboration with relevant security agencies and other stakeholders. In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday evening, Kasaro also indicated that further guidance regarding the resumption of campaign activities shall be provided once the security situation has sufficiently improved.

“The Commission further acknowledges the action taken by the Zambia Police Service to suspend public gatherings in the interest of maintaining a secure and conducive environment for all citizens and electoral stakeholders,” he said. In addition to the suspension in Mazabuka Central, the Commission strongly condemned incidents of violence in Kabwe Central and Chawama Constituencies in Kabwe and Lusaka Districts respectively. Kasaro said the Commission was reviewing the incidents in consultation with relevant stakeholders and authorities, and would determine the appropriate course of action in accordance with the law.

“The public, political parties, candidates, and their supporters are urged to remain calm, exercise restraint, and fully comply with the directives issued by the Commission and law enforcement agencies,” stated. A planned campaign rally by independent aspiring Mazabuka Member of Parliament, Gary Nkombo, was on Sunday halted after a heavy deployment of police officers blocked the gathering at Ndeke Community Football Ground. The rally, which was intended to officially launch Nkombo’s campaign, failed to take place after police ordered supporters and residents who had gathered at the venue to disperse.

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Some attendees alleged that they were manhandled by police officers as they were being chased away from the grounds. The situation later escalated into a confrontation between Nkombo and police officers led by Mazabuka District Police Deputy Officer Commanding, Stable Chisonga, over the cancellation of the event. Nkombo later expressed disappointment at the turn of events, claiming that he had informed the police in the area about the rally and it was approved by the Commanding Officer.

“I was saying that everybody saw for themselves what happened. Police decided to come and interfere with our campaign program because my candidate together with the other socialist party agreed that we hold the launch together,” Nkombo said. He claimed one of his supporters got injured in the process of dispersing and police firing teargas canisters.

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