By Mubanga Mubanga
The Movement for National Renewal (MNR) has expressed concerns over what they have termed widespread operational, logistical and administrative challenges in the ongoing voter registration by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)
In a statement issued yesterday on behalf of MNR, a movement he recently unveiled, renowned lawyer John Sangwa stated that such disorganisation by ECZ could fuel perceptions that the Commission was “incompetent”
“However, the Movement for National Renewal (MNR) expresses deep concern over widespread operational, logistical, and administrative challenges that threaten to disenfranchise citizens and erode public confidence in the integrity of this crucial national exercise. 1. Procurement Irregularities and Operational Delays: The procurement of biometric voter registration kits was marred by irregularities, delays, and opaque decision-making,” Sangwa stated. “These lapses have resulted in last-minute deliveries and rushed training, now manifesting in system failures and inefficiencies across the country. Such disorganisation fuels perceptions of incompetence or manipulation and undermines confidence in the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).”
Sangwa alleged that ECZ had failed to open some voter registration centres, especially those perceived to be in opposition strongholds.
“Failure to Open Registration Centres: In several provinces, particularly those perceived as opposition strongholds, some registration centres have failed to open on schedule,” Sangwa stated. “This has left citizens frustrated and uncertain about where or when to register. The effect is to deny equal access to the process and violate the principle of universal suffrage, a cornerstone of our democracy.”
Furthermore, Sangwa stated that frequent malfunctioning of biometric kits and inadequate power backups reflected serious deficiencies in preparedness and quality control.
“System Breakdowns and Technical Malfunctions: Frequent malfunctioning of biometric kits, data-capture errors, and inadequate power backups reflect serious deficiencies in preparedness and quality control,” Sangwa stated. “These faults risk producing an inaccurate or incomplete register, potentially excluding eligible voters and compromising electoral credibility.”
Sangwa also condemned restrictions on the number of monitors, stating that the practice weakened transparency.
”Restriction on Monitors: The ECZ’s decision to limit monitors to three per constituency weakens transparency and accountability,” Sangwa stated. “Broad observation by political parties and civil- society organisations enhance trust and integrity. Restricting monitors breeds suspicion and diminishes public confidence in the Commission’s impartiality.”
Sangwa called on ECZ to extend the registration period.
He also stated that the ECZ should publish the list of registration centres per district and constituency in order for the public to have access to them.
“OUR CALL TO ACTION: The Movement for National Renewal calls upon the Electoral Commission of Zambia to: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Extend the registration period to ensure every eligible citizen has an opportunity to register. Resolve logistical and technical failures by deploying additional functional equipment and adequately trained personnel,” stated Sangwa. “Lift restrictions on monitors to allow comprehensive observation by political parties and civil-society organisations. Publish the full list of registration centres by district and constituency for public access and oversight. Intensify voter-education campaigns across all provinces. The Government must provide the ECZ with adequate and timely resources to conduct this exercise effectively and independently.”
