Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Vice Chairperson Annette Nhekairo has called on youths in North-western province to exercise maximum restraint towards violence in the upcoming Tumvwanganai ward by elections in Solwezi district.
Speaking when she graced the youth conference held in Solwezi, under the theme “youth involvement in the electoral process”, Ms Nhekairo said youths make up a pool of people that will lead the country in the future.
ZANIS reports that, she said youths form 50 percent of registered voters and therefore should be knowledgeable about the electoral process.
And speaking at the same event, a facilitator from Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR), Oliver Chilefu said youth participation in elections remains low, especially among females.
Mr Chilefu said youth engagement in the electoral process is one way of shaping their living conditions in a democratic state.
He emphasised the importance of youth participation in governance of the country.
Meanwhile, one of the participants Memory Mulenga noted that the meeting was timely to avoid youths being used as perpetrators of violence.
Ms Mulenga said with the knowledge imparted in her, she will be able to share with other youths on the importance of knowing the electoral process.
Sometimes when people have used all avenues to address certain issues and nothing seems to work, knuckles become the only solution.
The ecz is a pf body that is why they cannot address the elephant in the room by saying that the pf cadres need to refrain from violence. My Swiss wife and I are soon moving our investments to another African country. Twalema