… We are in a period of national mourning
By Jane Chanda
PF secretary general Raphael Nakacinda has urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to reconsider its decision to proceed with the Lumezi Parliamentary by-election, citing uncertainty surrounding the repatriation of late former president Edgar Lungu’s remains.
And Eastern Province commanding officer Robertson Mweemba says police are more than ready for the Lumezi Parliamentary by-election, with adequate manpower deployed to ensure a peaceful and smooth process.
in a statement on Wednesday, the ECZ stated that the Lumezi Parliamentary by-election would proceed as scheduled on June 26, 2025, despite the ongoing period of national mourning for the late former president Edgar Lungu, citing constitutional requirements for a by-election to be held within 90 days of a parliamentary seat falling vacant.
In an interview yesterday, Nakacinda said the ongoing national mourning period had disrupted campaign activities, making it difficult for parties to engage with voters effectively.
He said rescheduling the by-election is what should have been done by the ECZ to allow participating political parties to fully take part in the electoral process.
Nakachinda said the country was facing a unique and somber situation and the ECZ should show flexibility.
“The period of national mourning has disrupted campaign activities, making it difficult for political parties to engage with voters effectively,” Nakacinda said.
He further called on the ECZ to prioritise creating an environment that allowed all parties to participate fully in the electoral process.
And Mweemba said the police was more than ready to manage the elections from the day there was nomination up to todate.
“The place has been very quiet and I am on the ground in Lumezi ensuring that all is okay,” Mweemba added
He said he was personally involved in the coordination efforts.
Mweemba also noted that the police were working closely with the (ECZ) having collaborated well in previous by-elections in Petauke and Nyimba.
“We are not a force but we are a service giving service to the people, the masses are our masters,” Mweemba said.
Mweemba further assured that the police would be present in all areas of the constituency, ready to address any issues that may arise, and urged people not to fear the police, but rather view them as friends.
