Political Violence MUST END and Suspend Magoye east Campaigns--Ms. Simpungwe

                                  (Ms. Nakiwe Simpungwe)

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA, Zambia – The Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia (CSEIFZ) has condemned the killing of Mr. Sakala, the driver for Independent Magoye East parliamentary candidate Mr. Mweene, describing the incident as a serious threat to the country's democratic process.

In a statement issued to Daily News on Friday, Ms. Nakiwe Simpungwe, Vice Chairperson of the Civil Society Elections Integrity Forum Zambia and Executive Director of HANZ expressed condolences to the deceased's family and said the killing, which reportedly occurred at a campaign centre during the night, was suspected to be politically motivated.

Ms. Simpungwe said the incident highlights the dangers of political violence and its impact on democratic participation, peace, and public safety.

"This tragic incident is not only a devastating loss to his family and the community but also a stark reminder of the dangers that political violence poses to our democracy," the She said.

She strongly condemned the attack and urged all political parties, candidates, supporters, and stakeholders to reject violence in all its forms.

The forum also appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to suspend all campaign activities in the Magoye East constituency while investigations are underway and until measures are implemented to ensure the safety of candidates, campaign teams, and members of the public.

In addition, Ms. Simpungwe called on the Zambia Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation into the killing and bring those responsible to justice.

According to CSEIFZ, political violence undermines democracy, weakens public confidence in institutions, and threatens national unity.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections and urged Zambians to honour the memory of the deceased by embracing peace, dialogue, and political tolerance.

Authorities had not yet released official findings on the circumstances surrounding the killing at the time of publication, and investigations were expected to continue.