The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says it has the power to suspend political parties or candidates found to have breached the Electoral Code of Conduct through acts of electoral violence.
ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro says the Commission is awaiting the outcome of police investigations into the recent violence in Kaputa and Mazabuka districts before taking any action.
The warning follows incidents that resulted in the deaths of Humphrey Lwisha, a UPND supporter in Kaputa, and Stanley Sakala, a driver for independent Magoye East parliamentary aspiring candidate Confucius Mweene in Mazabuka.
He says electoral violence has no place in a democratic society and urged political players to promote peace ahead of the August 13 General Election.
Mr. Kasaro has since called on the Zambia Police Service to expedite investigations into the two killings and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
By Mike Mwendachabe
