ACC launches anti-graft campaign ahead of polls

-The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched a country wide sensitization campaign on the need for all political players to desist from engaging in corruption ahead of the January 20 presidential by-elections.

ACC Director General Rosewin Wandi said corrupt practices are detrimental to the attainment of a free and fair election.

Ms Wandi added that electoral corruption undermines the legitimacy of the elected leaders and compromises democracy and the system of governance.

She called on political parties, stakeholders, the electorate and general public to refrain from engaging in corruption and other malpractices before, during and after the presidential by elections.

Ms Wandi stressed the need for political parties and their candidates to ensure that values of integrity are upheld during campaigns and at all times.

In a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Ms Wandi disclosed that the commission has set up electoral desks at all ACC provincial offices to receive electoral corruption reports.

She urged the public to report all cases of electoral corruption and malpractices to the commission for investigation and prosecution.

Ms Wandi informed the public that the commission’s jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute electoral corruption was limited to corrupt practices under section 79 of the Electoral Act No.12 of 2006.