SOCIALIST PARTY DEMANDS URGENT ACTION AS FEAR AND INTIMIDATION ROCK KASAMA POLL
The Socialist Party (SP) has turned its focus to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), demanding immediate and decisive intervention to safeguard the integrity of Thursday’s Kasama mayoral by-election amid rising reports of intimidation and insecurity.
Addressing journalists in Kasama on Tuesday, SP General Secretary and First Vice President Dr Cosmas Musumali warned that the credibility of the by-election now rests heavily on the ECZ’s ability to enforce electoral rules impartially and ensure a level playing field for all contestants.
Dr Musumali said the party had received credible reports of individuals being ferried into Kasama from Lusaka, Copperbelt and Northern provinces, a development he said risks undermining the credibility of the electoral process if not urgently addressed by the Commission.
“These developments place a huge responsibility on the ECZ to act swiftly and decisively,” Dr Musumali said.
“The Commission must not be a passive observer while the democratic space is being polluted by fear and intimidation.”
He stressed that the ECZ has both the constitutional mandate and legal authority to regulate campaign conduct, monitor compliance with the Electoral Code of Conduct and take action against any political actors engaging in malpractice.
The SP leader further alleged that the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) was exploiting its incumbency by misusing public resources and facilitating voter inducement, actions he said require firm regulatory oversight from the ECZ.
Dr Musumali called on the Commission to:
Deploy adequate and visible election monitors across Kasama
Enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct without favour
Respond promptly to reported cases of intimidation, bribery and abuse of state resources
He warned that failure by the ECZ to act decisively could erode public confidence not only in the Kasama by-election but in future electoral processes nationwide.
“The ECZ must demonstrate that it is independent, firm and committed to protecting the will of the people,” he said.
“Silence or inaction will be interpreted as complicity.”
Dr Musumali also encouraged civil society organisations and election observers to work closely with the ECZ by documenting irregularities and demanding accountability where electoral rules are breached.
Despite the concerns, the Socialist Party said it remains committed to participating in the electoral process but insists that free, fair and credible elections can only be guaranteed through strong and visible action by the Electoral Commission.
“We trust that the ECZ will rise to the occasion and protect the vote of the people of Kasama,” Dr Musumali said. “Our democracy depends on it.”
©️ KUMWESU | January 27, 2026