Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Commissioner McDonald Chipenzi has warned that the Commission may invoke provisions of the law to penalise political parties and candidates involved in electoral violence ahead of the November 5, 2026 Mbata Ward by-election in Western Province.
He was speaking today during a liaison committee meeting with representatives of the UPND and an independent candidate following violence involving their supporters Tuesday, which reportedly left some people injured.
Mr. Chipenzi says the Commission had powers to penalise political parties and candidates who violated the Electoral Code of Conduct, urging them to take responsibility for their actions.
The Commissioner has reminded political parties and candidates that they had committed themselves to observing the Electoral Code of Conduct when signing the relevant documents during the nomination process.
He has urged political players to report cases of misconduct to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands.
Mr. Chipenzi has also emphasised the need for all political stakeholders to respect accreditation requirements and ensure that only accredited individuals access polling stations.
He has called on political parties and candidates to promote peace, fairness and coexistence, stating that elections should not divide communities, as the ultimate goal after elections is development.
By Prudence Chota
