LUSAKA, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa haswarned all the political parties of his country, including his ruling Movement for Multi Party Democracy against manipulating the electors as the country nears the tripartite elections late this year.

Mwanawasa urged the political parties to ensure that the electors are not influenced to supporting and electing candidates who prone to using underhand methods or corrupt practices in their election campaign.

He made the warning in a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Justin Chilufya during an anti-corruption sensitization night held here on Friday, Zambia News and Information Service reported Saturday.

Mwanawasa said that the political leaders should refrain from campaigning in corrupt methods so that the elections are seen to be free and fair.

He said for democracy to be seen working in the country, all aspiring candidates must ensure that they conduct their campaigns in a fair and corrupt-free manner.

Mwanawasa said that corruption is perpetuating poverty in the country by taking away resources from public welfare to private and personal interests.

Without corrupt persons in society, Zambia would have more and better roads, better schools, more jobs, lower cost of essential commodities and reliable medical facilities, he said.

"It is corruption that has frustrated plans to build enough decent shelter for our people, corruption has taken away what we need in order to have decent lives, the same corruption has robbedthe country her sanity," said Mwanawasa.