By NAKUBIANA SHABONGO –

THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has said it is disappointed with reports of alleged malpractices and incidences of violence in the just ended Katuba Parliamentary by-election.
ECZ acting public relations manager, Sylvia Bwalya appealed to all political parties to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct, exercise patience, restraint and tolerance in future by-elections as such kind of vices were detrimental to the electoral process and Zambia’s democracy.
“Violence during elections contributes to apathy among the electorate. It is therefore, the Commission’s appeal to all political parties to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct to avoid negative consequences that may arise from abrogating the law,” Ms Bwalya said.
In a statement released in Lusaka yesterday, Ms Bwalya also clarified that the delay in the declaration of the Katuba by election results was due to the challenge in receiving results from three polling stations.
She said the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) helicopter that was contracted to provide logistics in the three polling stations  was unable to access the three polling stations on Wednesday morning due to bad weather.
The ECZ has also commended the police for the satisfactory management of security at the polling stations and the totaling centre.
Ms Bwalya praised the media for the fair and balanced coverage of candidates during the campaigns leading up to the parliamentary by-elections.
On polling day, Northern Province Minister Freedom Sikazwe was reportedly attacked by suspected United Party for National development (UPND) cadres.
National Revolution Party president Cosmo Mumba also suffered a gushing cut above his right eye after being attacked by suspected UPND cadres during a campaign trail in Situmbeko area.
The Katuba seat was won UPND candidate Jonas Shakafuswa.