Solwezi-based Youth Activist, Asa Lukamata has called on young people to refrain from selling their voters’ cards, describing the practice as equivalent to selling their democratic rights to vote.
Mr Lukamata says voter cards should not be exchanged for money, as doing so compromises citizens’ ability to influence governance through the electoral process.
“Once youths or any citizen sell their voter cards, even if it is for five hundred thousand kwacha, the money will eventually finish. However, when they vote, their choice contributes to a governance system that will serve them for five years,” Mr Lukamata said.
“Young people and the citizens of Zambia should not be used as tools of political violence,” he said.
Mr Lukamata further said the destruction of political campaign materials and Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) voter education materials constitutes electoral violence and should not be tolerated.
“It is saddening that some people have even resorted to destroying election education materials which are meant to educate citizens on how to vote,” he said.
Mr Lukamata urged all stakeholders to promote peaceful participation in the electoral process and respect voter education initiatives.
