The Electoral Commission of Zambia has dismissed the assertion by Mission Press Director, Father Miha Dravensik that the Commission is not independent and acts on the instructions issued by the government.
ECZ Public Relations Manager Chris Akufuna said the Commission is an autonomous institution and that it does not get instructions from any individual, body, institution or authority in its decision making and operations.
Mr. Akufuna further said it only consults government when seeking funds from the national treasury because elections are a national exercise, which cannot be funded by any other body other than government.
He said this in a press statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
He said the accusations and counter-accusations of malpractices are dealt with by the District Conflict Management Committees, of which all registered political parties in the respective districts are entitled to membership.
Meanwhile, Mr. Akufuna has said the committee members choose their own chairperson while the council secretary, who is the District Electoral officer, serves as the secretariat and coordinates all conflict management activities.
He said that conflict management committees are independent entities and make their decisions based on their own assessment of the issue at hand.
However, he said the Electoral Commission of Zambia does not influence the committees in any way but deals with unresolved matters that are referred to the commission.
Mr. Akufuna has said the Commission is calling on all political parties and aspiring candidates in the forthcoming parliamentary by-elections to channel all cases of malpractices and violence to the District Conflict Management Committees.
He added that if the disputes cannot be resolved at district level, then the matter may be referred to the commission for resolution.
He said the announcement of election results does not take five days as alleged by Fr Miha , the commission has over the years made progressive improvements in every election and has managed to reduce the duration of announcement of results to a period within 72hours after poll day.
ZANIS
no you are not!
And I am the head of state
‘ECZ Public Relations Manager Chris Akufuna said the Commission is an autonomous institution and that it does not get instructions from any individual, body, institution or authority in its decision making and operations.’
Really? And who sets the date for presidential elections?
Sure just who set the damn Presidential elections date? That institution has never been autonomous
and who transports ballot boxes? ZAF! and who is the commander in Chief of ZAF? The President. Akufuna just chill…
Former teacher Akufuna just enjoy while it lasts. When we come into GRZ, you be looking for a school to teach at.
Prove yourselves ba koswe imwe!!!!Oooooh! my big mouth!
prove yourselves ba coswe imwe.
EC Z Spokesperson Chris Akufuna is just a small chap who sings the “Masters Voice”. ECZ is autonomous on paper coz all key office bearers are appointees of the President and even funding comes from the treasury. The President under the current constitution dissolves Parliament and sets the date when Presidential or General Elections can be held. Chris you better talk of other things. We are well informed on the operations of the Electrol Commission of Zed.
Splaka, how are you today?
The problem with ba fi colour as that you steal ama vote alot
Its will never be indepedent as long as this borgus MMD GRZ is in control with brainless leaders. Its a big Shame to humanity!
The problem in Zambia is that those in Public Offices thinks that we are Silly us they are ,they just utter any rubbish without reason from there big empty heads.next time be care chi coulor we are going to akufuna you like your name.
ba ma mbala you think we are stupid twanaka no kwikala pa animal farm ba fi color mwaiba sna pa fula.
we used to wait and enjoy -sounds good by akufuna .the E.C.Z thing has just tainted ur name .
How can ECZ be independent when the commissioner is an appointee of the President. Akufuna, even a child understands that. The loyaty will be to the one who has given you the job and you will toll the line. So Akufuna what are you talking about. Just shut up and enjoy the money while it lasts
The ECZ should be abolished before 2011 elections. May be this time around we will hire the Electrocal Council of Ghana to come and manage our elections and not ici ci ECZ. The Kalales, Akufunas and others are too corrupt to manage our elections. The problem is that, they only think of their own pockets and stomachs. Abash ECZ!!! As long as we continue having Kalale at ECZ, elections will never be free in Zambia. Expect 2011 elections to be extremely tense and more corruption by RB’s regime.
I am not sure of this claim about ‘independent’ ECZ. Fr Miha may have just struck a nerve!
Autonomous in your dreams. You think we don’t know? GRZ funds you and they give you commissions for making them win. Ka judge mumba na ka Akufuna.
Check at you tube: Search Sata slams bbc reporter.
Memories are still fresh. Ba pompwe munshibila nsala. Your days are numbered. Enjoy while you can.
Guys if E.C.Z is corrupt and we are convinced, who is there to make it transparent? its us. if we dont do anything but talk nothing will happen. come 2011 elections will still be rigged, especially with the level of shameless corruption we have recently witnessed and will continue wit RB for another 5 yrs after that….what a poor zambia!!!! viva revolution 2011
Man Popo
I am fine. Sorry about the late response. I just saw your greeting
Mmmmm Ba Akufuna, we all know how you guys operate. You are just lying to yourselves. When RB say’s “Jump”, Akufuna you answer ati” How high”.
Zambia now is a Christian nation any leader trying to pray Games with Zambian PEOPLE shall fall down by the power of God in Jesus Name I encourage all to know that God is in Control.Know that you cant fight God, Zambia is a property of GOD and  I prophecy that anyone trying to hide in the name of helping Zambian with thoughts of multiply houses to himself shall die with a curse watch your lives it shall happen.Â
This the year 2013 judgement year God has given to us a man of action mr Sata .GOD IS USING THIS MAN TO CLEAN ZAMBIA LIKE JOHN THE BAPTIST REPENT ALL MPS OR PARISH
When God is dowing a new thing it is not easy for people to see because they are spiritually blind.,nine years and some mouths is remaining the parliament will be one in christ Jesus.Zambia is prospering at a high level so iam now encouraging all mps and zambian people to work to gether in love.let love lead because together we stand and divided we fall.I have seen the Glory of God upon Zambia.if you are wise write this prophecy.Any one opposing its unity is fighting Gods way