20101008
africanews

A team of technocrats tasked to review the 2006 Electoral Code of Condcut in Zambia have adopted a revised Code of Codunct less than 12 months before that country heads for a elections. Critics had blamed the 2006 Electoral Code of Conduct of containing a number of flaws which had resulted in unfair electoral practices.

Zambia is set to got a general vote in which the electorate will elect a president and parliamentarians.

The technical team comprising various stakeholders with support from Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has adopted the revised Electoral Code of Conduct which has barred traditional leaders from exerting undue influence on their subjects to support a particular political party or candidate.

The team resolved that all political parties shall sensitise their membership and ensure total observance of the provisions of the electoral code of conduct.
It was also agreed that the ECZ shall have powers to reprimand political party, candidate or stakeholder as well as impose a fine on any offender in accordance with the code when they err.

The ECZ shall also submit a report of breach of the code to the Zambia police, Anti-Corruption Commission or the Drug Enforcement Commission for prosecution, and correct errors committed by electoral officers.

The team agreed that election campaigns shall commence on nomination day and end two days before an election takes place.

It resolved that where reasonable and practicable, the election results should be declared within 48hours.

The technocrats also agreed that the Zambia Police Service and other law enforcement agencies should be effectively involved in the enforcement of the Electoral Code of Conduct.

It was agreed that there must be no wearing of campaign materials within 400 metres from the polling station by political party members or any other person.

The team resolved that a political party or any candidate shall not camp at a polling station during campaign periods.