An electoral officer in Chama district has implored politicians from different political parties as well as all well-meaning Zambians to strictly adhere to the electoral code of conduct issued by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
Chama District Electoral Officer in Muchinga province, John Sampa, made the call during the ECZ stakeholders’ election briefing in the district at the weekend.
The briefly mainly centered on educating those who are aspiring for various positions in the August 12, 2021 general election on the electoral process and conduct.
The political parties that attended the briefing included the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), opposition United Party for National Development (UPND), Socialist Party (SP), Movement for Democratic Party (MDC) and the Democratic Party (DP).
Mr. Sampa said the briefing will greatly help in clearing out certain concerns regarding the electoral process and enable stakeholders to make informed decisions.
“We are holding this briefing today so that all the participating political parties and their respective candidates are made aware of the requirements so that they prepare before,” he said.
And Mr. Sampa has reiterated that ECZ is an independent and autonomous institution mandated to hold free, fair and peaceful elections in Zambia.
He said this is why the commission always engages all political players on various issues concerning the electoral processes.
Mr. Sampa added that the ECZ has a legal mandate to perform constitutional and statutory functions with a range of responsibilities that include delimitation exercise, voter registration exercise, voter education, nominations as well as preparing for elections and administering various other elections.
And Chama South Returning Officer Rodgers Kumwenda, who closed the briefing on behalf of Mr. Sampa, said those who are aspiring for different positions and those who are re-contesting should abide by what was discussed in the briefing on the electoral process.
Mr. Kumwenda pointed out that issues of basic requirements and qualifications, as well as reporting time for filing in of nominations should be strictly adhered to.
“We are appealing to all the aspiring candidates to strictly adhere to the ECZ guidelines and requirements,” he said.
Meanwhile, political parties wishing to take part in the August 12 general election have commended the ECZ for guiding them on nominations before the process starts.
The political parties expressed happiness with the ECZ for organising such a briefing on the electoral process especially on the nomination process which they said will help them to make right decisions.
Nominations in the August 12 general election start with presidential and parliamentary candidates on May 17, followed by mayoral and council chairperson nomination on May 18 and lastly ward councillors on May 19.
Unfortunately the ECZ isn’t a Law enforcement agency so it won’t do anyone any good to expect them to sanction anybody for electoral misconduct. Whoever crafted the ECZ Act didn’t understand what’s involved in elections. Zambia has held elections more than 10 times, so players are now expected to be acquainted with what happens in elections. People need to control their emotions. What I’ve noticed is that there isn’t enough engagement between ECZ and stakeholders. For an example, why should Sean Tembo sue the ECZ instead of engaging them to have his grievance heard? Why would the ECZ also not engage Sean to hear what he has to say? Enhanced dialogue will reduce some of these unnecessary tensions. Some people will always complain irrespective of who heads the ECZ
So what is the ECZ Election Code of Conduct under Covid 19 Restrictions? Is ECZ suggesting that in this Election Season there won’t be Political Rallies becoz of Covid 19? By-Elections were held recently by ECZ and Political Rallies were held under Covid 19 Guidelines. Under the guise of inspecting Projects ECL has been Campaigning thru out the Country. ECL and PF Leadership have been launching various Empowerment Deals thru out the Country attracting huge crowds. So were these gatherings not Covid 19 Superspreaders? Opposition Parties were not allowed to Campaign and now that Campaign Period has started ECL wants ECL to ban Political Rallies by Opposition Parties. This is not on!
When will the ECZ be responsible for presiding over all political parties’ elections. Including those intra party presidential and other portfolios?. In-line with the constitution we need to make sure that all political parties hold office for two terms as described in the constitution of our country.
ECZ independent, my f00t. The last time I checked they were an extension of the PiyeF00l 🙁
WHAT CONDUCT ???????
YOU HAVE 2 SETS OF RULES
ELC YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR WAT WE ARE ABOUT TO RECEIVE
SORRY MEANT ECZ
OH ELC = EDGAR LUNGU COMMISSION
Ecz sometimes u clearly dnt follow events …recently crowds were gathering in the name of empowerment funds..’.where was covid? How many pipo died? Opposition were not allowed to t or empower anybody coz of covid….does this mean covid selects who to attack? Wen will the opposition sell themselves to the electorate…some decisions mwanvelako nsoni …..By elections were allowed to hold rallies nga apa muyopa chani? Let’s avoid chongo by doing the rite thing….put Zambia first guys…..adhere to advise..
Muma bus there’s no social distancing guys let’s be factual.