Human Rights Commission happy with Livingstone by-election

The Human Rights Commission has expressed
satisfaction with the manner in which the just ended Livingstone
parliamentary by- election was conducted.

In a statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Commission Chairperson Pixie
Yangalilo commended the electorate, political parties and their
supporters for maintaining peace during the elections.

Ms Yangalilo disclosed that a preliminary assessment conducted by the
commission revealed that voting went on smoothly in spite of the clash
reported in the media between the Patriotic Front (PF) and the United
Party for National Development (UPND) supporters over alleged vote
buying.

She said the allegation has already drawn the attention of the police,
calling on the police to handle the matter professionally.

Ms Yangalilo reiterated the commission’s concern over the recurring
instances of violence by political party cadres saying it is an
infringement on human rights among political parties and their
supporters.

She added that any act of violence goes against the democratic tenets,
norms and values that Zambia has ascribed to since the country
embraced multiparty system in 1991.

She said there is need for all political players to desist from using
violence to meet their political ends if Zambia is to be seen as a
beacon of democracy and also a human rights respecting country in the
region.

Ms Yangalilo has since commended the electorate in Livingstone central
constituency for turning out to vote and exercise their rights despite
the violence that had arisen leading to the postponement of the by-
election.