. Chipenzi

By XAVIER MANCHISHI –

THE Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) is disturbed with reports of violence and election malpractices during campaigns for the forthcoming Mangango by-election.

On Sunday, Patriotic Front (PF) campaign manager Obvious Mwaliteta was attacked by suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) sympathisers who accused him of using a Government vehicle during the campaigns.

FODEP executive director Mcdonald Chipenzi said the violence had no place in Zambia’s political arena and urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and law enforcement agencies to ensure that peace was upheld in Mangango.

“We are very disturbed at the emergence of reports of violence and malpractices when the campaign has been peaceful so far. Therefore we expect that those involved will think twice and do the right thing for the betterment of Zambia and for the credibility of the election,” he said.

Mr Chipenzi warned that it would be wrong if PF officials resorted to using Government resources for campaign purposes but that those found flouting the Electoral Code of Conduct should be reported to relevant authorities.

FODEP will next week hold a public hearing in Mangango dubbed race to Manda Hill to bring together all the candidates participating in the by election.

Mr Mwaliteta vowed that he would remain steadfast and would not be intimidated by acts of violence by suspected UPND cadres.

The Central Province minister had the immobiliser of his vehicle seized by his assailants who allegedly stole his money after pouncing on him in Kaoma on suspicion that he was changing the registration plate of a Mitsubishi Pajero from a Government registration to a private one.

A UPND cadre, Kingford Nasilele, who is also former Kaoma district commissioner in the MMD government, has been arrested over the incidence.