By Mubanga Mubanga
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) acting executive director Raymond Mutale says the target of registering 3 million voters by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in the mass voter registration is highly “ambitious”.
On Monday, ECZ launched the mass voter registration which is targeting to register 3 million new voters.
In a statement issued yesterday, Mutale stated that ECZ should extend the timeframe to accommodate potential logistical delays, technical challenges and regional disparities.
“Thirdly, the current one-month timeframe to register an estimated 3.5 million voters is highly ambitious. TI-Z recommends that the ECZ reassess and extend the registration period to accommodate potential logistical delays, technical challenges, and regional disparities,” Mutale stated. “An extended timeframe would help ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised due to administrative constraints. TI-Z is also concerned about the limited public awareness surrounding the registration process. Reports of low turnout in certain areas, such as Mtendere, indicate that many citizens may not yet be aware of the ongoing exercise or its importance.”
Further, Mutale said the current power outages posed a significant risk to the credibility and efficiency of voter registration.
He called on the ECZ to adopt contingency measures such as the use of backup generators.
“Secondly, the ongoing power outages pose a significant risk to the credibility and efficiency of the voter registration exercise. TI-Z calls on the ECZ to adopt contingency measures such as the use of backup generators, battery-powered registration kits, and mobile registration units,” Mutale stated. “As these approaches have successfully been implemented by electoral bodies in countries such as South Africa and Ghana. These measures would help mitigate disruptions and ensure uninterrupted registration, especially in remote and underserved areas.”
Mutale called on ECZ to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, integrity, impartiality, inclusiveness, credibility and fairness. In the functionality and deployment of voter registration kits.“
Firstly, TI-Z urges the ECZ to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, integrity, impartiality, inclusiveness, credibility, and fairness in the deployment and functionality of voter registration kits, in line with Sections 4 and 5 of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016,” stated Mutale. “These principles are fundamental to ensuring “that no region or demographic group is disadvantaged due to logistical challenges, technical failures, or uneven deployment of equipment. A transparent and impartial voter registration process is essential to maintaining public trust in Zambia’s democratic system and ensuring that every eligible citizen has an equal opportunity to register.”
