THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has thrown down the gauntlet to political parties planning to unleash “hostile cadres” into Chawama and Kasama, warning that any act of violence or mischief could see them suspended from campaigns.
ECZ chief electoral officer Brown Kasaro said the Commission is keeping a watchful eye on the electoral environment in Chawama Constituency of Lusaka, where a Parliamentary by-election is set for January 15 and in Kasama District, heading to the polls for a mayoral by-election on January 29.
“The Commission is aware of schemes by some political parties to launch hostile cadres into Chawama and Kasama, to destabilise peaceful campaigns ahead of the elections,” Kasaro stated yesterday.
So far, Kasaro noted, campaigns in both areas have been largely peaceful, as candidates and their parties are sticking to the approved campaign timetables and the Electoral Code of Conduct.
But the ECZ is not taking chances.
Kasaro reminded all political players that the Zambia Police Service, fully engaged on the ground, is monitoring the situation to make sure law and order is maintained before, during and after the polls.
“Peaceful conduct by all stakeholders is critical to the integrity of the electoral process,” he emphasised.
The ECZ, appealed to all parties, candidates and their supporters to continue campaigning peacefully and leave violence out of the political equation.
By George Musonda
Kalemba January 6, 2026
