The opposition Green Party says it is extremely disappointed with the Electoral Commission of Zambia for abnormally increasing the nomination fees for presidential, parliamentary and ward elections.
Green Party President Peter Sinkamba said the increase is surely a confirmation that the PF Government has now shifted from pro-poor policies to capitalist policies.
Mr Sinkamba said in a capitalist system, ascending to leadership positions is the preserve of the rich.
“Whilst I can afford to pay for my presidential nomination fees, I find this measure extremely ridiculous because it bars rural populations from participating in governance systems.
It is a very sad development for the country, especially for rural constituencies and wards where 80% of the people live in abject poverty. It will be literary impossible for most rural candidates to afford these fees,” Mr Sinkamba said.
Mr Sinkamba has since demanded that President Lungu reverses what he called outrageous fees.
Meanwhile, Kabwata aspiring parliamentary candidate Maiko Zulu said the revised nomination fees for candidates for the 2016 general elections are too high and not reflective of the present economic living conditions of ordinary Zambians.
Zulu said the electoral process seems to now be a preserve of the rich, thereby commercialising participation of leadership.
“The move by ECZ to hike the fees by more than 100% is discriminatory and can only be seen as an attempt to exclude ordinary Zambians from participating in the political service of the country, an act which is not in conformity with the tenets of Human rights and democracy. We therefore call upon the ECZ to reconsider the revision of the fees downwards to make it inclusive and attainable for ordinary citizens.
The fees should be seen to be reflective of the prevailing economic situation in the country,” he said.
We need to deter fake parties and noises false politicians just after getting into the Office of The President. It’s become a bad joke! This is the correct deterrent. I’d say they should increase it ….more to almost like the cost of a house in Zambia?!!!
PF is scared of being beaten by Mulyokela, hence the fees being increased.
The best deterrent would to simply not vote for said jokers and fake parties. The responsibility lies with the voters to not entertain them, but given how gullible we have become, anything is possible. The leaders we elect are a reflection of who we are.
Besides that, given the voting numbers, the 100 registered votes per province would be enough to deter ‘jokers’ as you call them. As well consider independent candidates MPs, councillors etc that wish to serve in rural parts but with no financial backing from a party. These fees are discriminatory to the the poor.
That’s why it’s wrong for an individual to fund a political party from his pockets. A political party is a club that is financed by its members and well wishers.
@ 1mbecile abroad
You are wrong, it is just realistic reflection of galloping inflation from September 2011 to date: 750%!!!
Great patriotic achievement!!!
Another 5 years mandate to overtake uncle Bob?
Well Hung em High, it’s at inflation rate the ?! Still justifies it then, another good reason! Someone said the certain reruns must be budgeted for, so ECZ is thinking on the hoof. Good stuff!
The fees are high mwe,,,, kachema HH complained, people said haaa! now even us who use and sell green stuff are seeing red instead of green,,,
am also thinking of my uncle`s cousin president Mulyokela,,, K75,000???. i wonder how many bales of salaula i should send him to raise that amount
ECZ has done very well for the increase in view of 50+1 which requires very few political parties to participate rather than split votes. the likes of Mpombo, Eric chanda, Mulongoti and others belongs to the doldrums. politics aside Gentlemen let’s pray that whoever wins August 11 polls must do it in the first round than the re-run.
Starting bid for “+1” has been sett at 75,000!!!
Any offers? Any Takers?
I thought political candidates were sponsored by political parties. For president if he or she manages to gather 1000 members ie 100 from each province and each one contributes K100.00 they have more than K75,000.00. above all if these political parties have genuine members these fees are not much. Take for instance if from the over 2 million registered voters a party has 50,000 committed members and they ask each one of them to contribute a K20.00, they have a K1000,000.00 which they can use to pay for their presidential candidate, MP candidates etc. To me a part that can’t have 50,000 committed members is not yet ready to contest presidential elections. Members of the parties should be let to contribute to these fees so that they have a voice to control these candidates so that the…
K75,000 is not enough,supposed to be K200,000 so that the political comedian like you its very difficult to find that money.
Sinkamba, claiming that participating in elective politics has become a preserve for the affluent is an understatement. Let each one play within his league. Why seek a post above your financial ability, if you are not rushing for riches? Lets not be led by selfseeking paupers.
As of today, 75 000 Kwacha is equivalent to about US$ 6 666.66 at the rate of K11.25 to a dolllar.
Ma six yafulisha mwe!
This money is okay because it is part of the whole campaign System! If people can buy helicopters! Trucks! Key holders! Christmas card for the whole nation during campaign, Let them start the expense of campaigning by paying nominations fees for their candidates!
I think Zambia will end up a one party state, watch the space.
One love.