Following the spate of political violence that erupted during the Bangweulu by-election which led to some polling stations opening late on voting day, the police have instituted investigations to ascertain the primary cause.

Violence erupted during the campaigns for the Bangweulu parliamentary by-election following allegations from opposition political party cadres who accused the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) of allegedly ferrying pre-marked ballots in favour of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF).

Luapula Province Commissioner of Police Hudson Namachila confirmed in an interview yesterday that investigations were under way but that no one had been summoned for interviews so far.

"A file of inquiry has been opened to investigate the cause of violence during the Bangweulu parliamentary by-election. We have not yet summoned anyone for interviews as the investigations are still underway," Mr Namachila said.

The ruling PF retained the seat after its candidate Anthony Kasandwe emerged victorious in the by-election held last week.