“DELAYED ELECTION RESULT FUEL VIOLENCE”

Chief Musungwa of the Ila people of Itezhi Tezhi District says delays in releasing election results has contributed to political violence.
Chief Musungwa says the delays have caused anxiety with some political parties engaging in premature celebrations before the Electoral Commission of Zambia announces the winner.
Chief Musungwa has also observed that mobile telecommunication services are cut in the district during voting elections and this has not gone well with the local people and causes tension which leads to violence.
The traditional leader was speaking when he made submissions to the Commission of Inquiry on voting patterns and electoral violence in Itezhi Tezhi this morning.
And a UPND Counselor in Itezhi Tezhi District said the ECZ should be given powers to punish leaders that engage in tribal politics.
Amos Malumbe said tribal campaigns have contributed to regional voting that the country experienced.