LUSAKA, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's electoral body on Tuesday announced a set of guidelines to act as benchmarks for campaigns ahead of general elections slated for later this year.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) said it has received various concerns raised by stakeholders in the run-up to the elections and has put in place benchmarks for the campaigns.
ECZ Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhaga said all stakeholders will be required to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines once the campaigns kick off and advised political parties to also adopt other campaign strategies such as the use of mobile public address systems, distribution of flyers in order to minimize physical contacts.
She further said the electoral body will restrict the number of international observers accredited to observe the August 12 polls, adding that accreditation of the observers will follow due process to ensure transparency and accountability.
"The Commission is aware of the risk associated with international travel in the spread of COVID-19 and the concerns raised by stakeholders are valid and the relevant institutions working with the Commission would need to ensure that relevant measures are put in place should the need arise for accrediting international observers," she said. Enditem
