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THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched a sensitisation campaign for voters and politicians in the forthcoming by-election in Katuba Constituency on the need to desist from engaging in corrupt activities and electoral malpractices.
ACC public relations manager Timothy Moono said in a statement issued yesterday in Lusaka that corruption during elections perpetuates corrupt leaders in Government who will only serve their selfish interests and not of the voters.
He said electoral corruption undermines the legitimacy of the elected leaders and compromises democracy.
‘The commission, therefore, wishes to urge all stakeholders to ensure that the values of integrity are always upheld and for the voters to ensure that those that are elected into office are men and women that will contribute to the development of their constituency and the nation at large,” Mr Moono said.
“The commission wishes to further remind all stakeholders that giving gifts, money or food during election campaigns amounts to corruption,” he said.
And MMD campaign manager in the Katuba parliamentary by-election Harold Chandalala has appealed for peace following a misunderstanding between the PF and UPND camps.
Mr Chandalala said all political parties campaigning for the seat must conduct their campaigns peacefully.
He said misunderstanding characterised the campaigns in the early hours of yesterday between the Patriotic Front (PF) and UPND camps after they found themselves campaigning in one area, resulting in an exchange of insults.
Mr Chandalala said it is important that the candidates aim to build what late member of Parliament (MP) left and bring development to Katuba.
But PF campaign manager for the Katuba by-election Edgar Lungu has refuted claims by the MMD that some PF and UPND cadres had a misunderstanding yesterday when they met in one area to campaign.
Mr Lungu, who is Minister of Defence, said, “I am happy to say that Katuba has been violence-free since campaigns started and it will remain like that till polling day.”
And Alliance for Better Zambia (ABZ) president Frank Bwalya expressed happiness with the way political parties have conducted themselves during the campaign period.
Meanwhile, Central Province commissioner of police Standwell Lungu has urged political parties contesting the February 25 Katuba by-election to conduct their campaigns peacefully.
Mr Lungu said in Kabwe yesterday that the Zambia Police Service is happy that political campaigns in Katuba are peaceful.
Mr Lungu said a peaceful and conducive environment for political campaigns has been created in Katuba and this is why peace has characterised the political activities.
He said the Police has deployed 200 officers in Katuba to maintain law and order.
“We will ensure that Katuba remains peaceful. We are there to ensure that political parties only focus on their campaigns,” Mr Lungu said.
He said the police command may only increase the number of officers if the area experiences violence.
The Katuba seat fell vacant following the death of Dr Chikusu late last year.
Daily Mail
