The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has assured aspiring candidates in the forthcoming general elections of a conducive and credible electoral process before, during and after the polls.
Speaking during a briefing on ECZ nomination requirements, regulations and some of the offences during nominations, Petauke Central Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) Magret Nkosi said the Commission is mandated to protect the interests of all political players and members of the public during the electoral period.
Ms Nkosi was responding to concerns raised by political party representatives over allegations that polling agents were chased from polling stations during the 2021 general elections.
“We will ensure as ECZ that everyone is protected. That is the reason why we have police officers here. Where you experience anything suspicious,” she said.
Earlier, Tonse Pamodzi Alliance aspiring councillor Sophia Lungu recalled an instance in the 2021 General elections; where polling agents of an independent candidate were not allowed to enter the polling station until it was 12:00 hours.
“During the last general elections in 2021 at Kaluba polling station the polling agents for the independent candidate were only allowed to enter after 12:00 hours even the police officers were informed. I was one of the candidates at that time,” she said.
In reaction, aspiring independent candidate for Petauke Central Constituency Simon Banda appealed to the ECZ to fervently look into the matter and deal with it with the seriousness it deserves.
“This is a serious case where you need to get interested, please we beg you. Be observant on this one because chaos will start from the polling station and you will fail to control it if you don’t take keen interest,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the District Electoral Officer Kelvin Banda, Petauke Constituency Returning Officer Sibeso Muimui, explained that every election comes with its own dynamics and environment hence the Commission saw it fit to brief and refresh the candidates on various electoral processes.
“I know some of us are seasoned politicians we have been through these processes but you can agree with me that each election comes with its own dynamics, so that is why the Commission is mandated to ensure that in every election every stakeholder is briefed at each and every stage,” he said.
