• ECZ suspends all manner of political campaigns for PF and UPND in Lusaka, Mpulungu, Namwala and Nakonde Districts.
• The suspension will be reviewed after 14 days.
• All political party road shows across the country have also been suspended.

Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has with immediate effect suspended all manner of political campaigns for the Patriotic Front Party (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND) in Lusaka, Mpulungu, Namwala and Nakonde Districts due to escalating violence.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Patrick Nshindano said the suspension will be reviewed after 14 days.
Mr Nshindano said the Commission has since written to the affected Secretary Generals informing them of the decision.
He stated that the concerned political parties will not be allowed to conduct any form of campaigns and that all media houses are advised not to cover any political party activities for the two parties in the said jurisdiction.
“After 14 days, the commission will decide whether to lift the suspension or go on with it depending on the behavior of the two political parties,” Mr. Nshindano said.
Mr. Nshindano further disclosed that the Commission has suspended all political party road shows across the country as the findings on the ground indicate that road shows are not only in breach of Covid-19 protocols but also the Electoral code of conduct and political parties have merely converted the road shows into mobile rallies.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nshindano revealed that the Commission has restricted to a maximum of three members of any political party or independent candidates per household to conduct door to door campaigns and one vehicle for the public address campaigns.

“Political parties and independent candidates are also reminded that it is unlawful to place campaign posters on private property and that includes residential property without consent and the owners are at liberty to remove such materials,” he stated.
Mr. Nshindano has called on all political players to be tolerant and promote coexistence as the commission will not condone lawlessness regardless of the political party perpetrating violence.