Vubwi District Voter Education Committee (DVEC) has stressed the need for Voter Education Facilitators (VEFs) to remain professional and uphold the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)’s principles as they carry out their duties, describing voter education as a cornerstone of a credible electoral process.
DVEC Chairperson Reverend Paul Banda emphasised the importance of field officers remaining objective, impartial and non-partisan while conducting voter education activities, noting that democracy can only thrive when citizens are adequately informed about their civic rights and responsibilities.
Speaking during the monitoring of Voter Education Facilitators in Mbande, Mbozi, Matemba, Chisiya and Vubwi wards, Reverend Banda expressed satisfaction with the manner in which officers were conducting the exercise and encouraged them to continue working diligently for the benefit of the people.
“The credibility and authenticity of the electoral process begins with you, the field officers. If you conduct this important exercise with integrity, professionalism and in accordance with the stipulated principles, the people will develop trust and confidence in the ECZ and the entire electoral process,” he said.
“You must always remember that you have been assigned to carry out an important national exercise. Therefore, be dedicated and passionate about your work, and demonstrate patriotism by performing your duties to the highest standards and expectations of the Commission and the nation at large,” he added.
Reverend Banda further noted that voter turnout during the August 13, 2026 General Elections would largely depend on the effectiveness of the ongoing voter education programme.
“People can only turn out in large numbers to vote when they are fully sensitized and understand the importance of participating in elections. Citizens must be equipped with adequate knowledge on voting procedures, the value of their vote and the role they play in strengthening democracy. An informed electorate is key to a peaceful, credible and inclusive electoral process,” he said.
The DVEC Chairperson also called on members of the public, traditional leaders and the church to cooperate with voter education officers, stating that the programme was designed to benefit communities by enabling citizens to participate effectively in the electoral process.
Meanwhile, some residents, who included Jairus Phiri, Paul Chilumbu and Sophia Sakala, have commended the Government through the ECZ for bringing voter education closer to the people.
The residents observed that many people, particularly the elderly and first-time voters, previously lacked adequate knowledge on how to participate in the voting process, adding that the programme would also help reduce the number of rejected ballot papers.
“The coming of these ECZ staff has really enlightened us on some of the misinformation that was being spread by unscrupulous politicians. Some people used to tell us that if we did not want a candidate, we should simply put an X on the ballot paper which is not the case. We have also been taught not to write our names or make unnecessary marks on ballot papers because this can result in our votes being rejected,” the residents said.
The ECZ in Vubwi District has deployed 22 Voter Education Facilitators across the district to educate members of the public on various electoral matters ahead of the August 13, 2026 General Elections.
