By 
The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of engaging in voter inducements and politically motivated violence during the recent Mfuwe Constituency by-election.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, CCMG Steering Committee Chairperson, Bishop Andrew Mwenda, alleged that the ruling party misused state resources and orchestrated violent incidents that compromised the credibility of the electoral process.
Mwenda said on July 26, CCMG’s observer in Lupembashi Ward reported that the UPND candidate and party officials distributed money at Chifinshi Primary School.
He claimed that community members were grouped in tens, with each group receiving K200 and encouraged to vote for the UPND candidate.
He further claimed that on the same day, the Mafinga District Commissioner campaigned door-to-door in Mwendachabe Village, distributing 25kg bags of mealie meal while supporting the UPND candidate.
According to Mwenda, the District Commissioner also distributed cash to congregants of Chifinshi Catholic Church, with individuals receiving K10 each and youth conveners K100.
On August 5, CCMG’s observer in Chikanda Ward reportedly witnessed UPND officials distributing cash, giving K100 to those with National Registration Cards (NRCs) and voter cards, and K20 to those without. The Minister of Youth and Sport was said to have been present, using a government vehicle, in violation of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
On August 6, CCMG observers reported UPND cadres distributing food items including nshima and meat to residents of Mwendachabe Village.
“These acts violate paragraphs 3(1)(b), and 15(h) and (k) of the Electoral Code of Conduct and Regulation 39 of the Electoral Process (Registration of Voters) Regulations, 2020,” Mwenda said.
Mwenda also noted a report from July 15, where unknown men near Mwendachabe Polling Station paid community members K20 each for details from their NRCs and voter cards, recording the information before returning the cards.
Read More: Constitutional court to rule on Mfuwe by-election amid Mabonga seat dispute
On election day, CCMG documented an incident of violence and disruption at Kapilya School-01 polling station, where supporters of the New Congress Party and Socialist Party stormed the station following noises outside. Police had to disperse the crowd after the disruption.
New Congress Party representatives alleged that UPND cadres vandalized a Socialist Party vehicle, breaking its windows. Two windows at the polling location were also reportedly damaged.
Mwenda urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct impartially and transparently and called on all political parties to commit to peaceful, issue-based campaigns respecting democratic principles.
He further called for inclusivity in electoral processes, especially for persons with disabilities, women, and youth.
“We urge political parties to conduct their campaigns peacefully and sanction members who violate the Code,” Mwenda said.
He also appealed to the UPND and opposition parties to refrain from inciting violence, which undermined electoral credibility.
Mwenda urged the police to protect citizens impartially and to investigate and prosecute those responsible for electoral violence.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments