Extending voter registration commendable 

By Daily Revelation Editor

The decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to extend the voter registration process is a commendable move that underscores a commitment to inclusive and comprehensive democratic participation. This extension provides valuable opportunity for more citizens to register and exercise their voting rights, and potentially strengthening the legitimacy and representativeness of the electoral process. Such a proactive approach demonstrates the commission’s dedication to ensuring that every eligible voter is given the chance to have a voice in the nation’s democratic journey. This decision is a positive step towards greater political engagement and ensuring that Zambia’s democracy continues to thrive.

Many Zambians including ourselves were worried about the limited space that had been allocated to this important exercise. We were worried because we know that many Zambians face social and economic challenges that hinder their ability to register within a short timeframe. To ensure broader participation, Zambians called on ECZ to consider extending the voter registration period, and further take additional measures such as increased voter education, and community engagement to reach as many hard-to-access populations. 

It seems our concerns and of many Zambians have been heard, though we would have wished for a longer duration than the two weeks extension. Zambia cannot have a fair and free election if one of the key components is restrictive and disproportionately affect many potential voters, especially rural dwellers, the poor, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities. These groups are facing logistical barriers such as long distances to registration centers, lack of transportation, or limited access to information about registration dates and requirements.

A narrow registration window reduces opportunities for eligible voters to register. Voters who are unable to access registration centers during limited periods or who lack the necessary identification documents risked being excluded from the electoral roll, and many will actually be excluded even with the 15 days extension. And with the high illiterate levels in our country, if the registration process relies heavily on digital systems such as biometric systems that are not accessible or user-friendly for all, a lot of voters unfamiliar with technology or lacking access to digital resources were further going to be disenfranchised had the period not been extended.

ECZ should therefore take a leaf from this exercise so they avoid making similar mistakes in future processes. We wonder why ECZ keep doing same things – when they fully know that a limited registration period can be exploited by political interests to restrict voter participation intentionally.

ECZ know this fact that when large portions of the electorate are unable to register and cast their votes, the legitimacy of the election outcomes is questioned. This undermines public confidence in the democratic process and can lead to political instability.

While we know that our country has a history of electoral challenges, including voter suppression and disenfranchisement – a limited registration process risks further repeating these issues, especially if it is not carefully designed to be inclusive and accessible.

We hope this mistake of allocating one month to an important electoral process as voter registration will not be repeated by ECZ in the next cycle. It is always important for ECZ to understand that a limited voter registration process threatens to disenfranchise many eligible voters, thereby compromising the democratic right to political participation, especially in a crucial election as the one the country is having next year. Over and above, we commend ECZ for doing what is right, and what is in the best interest of the people of Zambia. The decision to extend the period for voter registration to is welcome and commendable, and they could have actually done more.