The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in Lavushimanda District has commended Voter Education Facilitators (VEFs) for effectively carrying out voter education activities ahead of the general election.
Speaking during a District Voter Education Committee (DVEC) monitoring exercise, District Electoral Officer Jonas Mwendakawa said the facilitators are delivering voter education messages in line with the training they received, demonstrating adherence to the electoral code of conduct.
Mr Mwendakawa noted that the monitoring exercise has shown that the VEFs are adhering to the electoral code of conduct while carrying out their duties in various communities across the district.
He said interactions with community members revealed that the facilitators are providing accurate and consistent information in accordance with ECZ guidelines.
Mr Mwendakawa expressed satisfaction with the quality of voter education being conducted, stating that the facilitators have demonstrated a good understanding of the messages they are expected to deliver.
“I am really excited because I have tried to interview a number of people and what has been discovered is that they are delivering the message according to how they were taught,” he said.
He further encouraged the facilitators to maintain the same level of commitment and professionalism as they continue with voter education activities.
Meanwhile, community member Gloria Kunda has praised the voter education programme, saying it has helped residents understand key aspects of the voting process.
Ms Kunda said she interacted with the Voter Education Facilitators during the agricultural show, where members of the public were educated on the importance of participating in elections and safeguarding their voter’s cards.
She said the facilitators also explained the correct voting procedure, including the need to mark only an “X” against the preferred candidate on the ballot paper.
“They taught us how to vote in the booths, stating that you are only supposed to draw an X on the person you are voting for and not any other letter, and if you make a mistake, then the vote will not be counted, “she said.
