ECZ must conduct polls fairly – UPND

By SANFROSSA MANYINDA THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) must operate above partisan politics in order to win the confidence of the citizens, United Party for National Development (UPND) chairman for mines Percy Chanda has said. Mr Chanda alleged that the ECZ had failed to win the confidence of Zambians in its current form, hence the need to adjust for the better. He said in Kitwe yesterday that the ECZ should conduct itself above partisan politics in order to be free from blame for any violence during the August 12 general elections. “The PF has been campaigning openly while the opposition is not allowed and the ECZ has approved such acts. The ECZ must understand that the standards of holding a by election is different from that of a general election and it is for this reason that it needs to be careful. “Let the commission approach the August election with a very sober mind to ensure a peaceful transition if it should gain the respect and confidence from the people as well as the outside world,” he said. Mr Chanda said Zambians had the right to choose leaders of their choice without any intimidation and unfair treatment, hence, the need for the ECZ to commit itself to delivering a fair election. He also advised the Zambia Police to learn from what happened to their friends who took instructions from politicians in the shooting of the late prosecutor and UPND member. Mr Chanda alleged that the police had contributed to the volatile situation obtaining in the country because of selective justice. He said it was important that the men and women in uniform stuck to their professional conduct and ethics. He said their job was to maintain law and order and not boot licking and be used as catalysts of violence.