The Forum for Democratic Process (FODEP) is happy that the Mufumbwe by-election has shown tremendous improvement in terms of the conduct by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as well as the transparency of the counting and totalling process.
FODEP Executive Director, Macdonald Chipenzi, said the preparations by the ECZ seemed to have been undertaken in a professional manner leading to a smooth voting process.
Mr Chipenzi attested to this by the timely opening and closing of the polling stations throughout the constituency.
He observed that FODEP is pleased that the electoral environment before, during and immediately after the elections was peaceful, adding that political parties and other stakeholders showed increased respect for each other and the electoral process.
He, however, noted that there were persistent allegations that individual party cadres did not always refrain from violence and that people reported incidences of the distribution of money and materials by parties during the campaign period.
Mr Chipenzi also disclosed that there were allegations of electoral blackmailing such as promises by the ruling party of building health posts in the event that it would be elected by local residents or losing government support if voters did not support the ruling party candidate.
He said on the other hand, opposition parties promised a big victory celebration where a number of animals would be slaughtered.
He further added that it was alleged that political parties were continuing to carry out their campaign activities after the official closing of the campaign period.
Mr Chipenzi revealed that no culprit, however, was brought to book and as a result, FODEP noted with great concern that the respect of the provisions of the electoral code of conduct continue to be a challenge for political actors.
He stated that FODEP believes that these incidences could not influence the electoral process to an extent which casts doubt on the validity of the process as a whole.
Mr Chipenzi said FODEP observed with regret that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seemed not to have its presence felt in Mufumbwe during the campaign period and election day, adding that this is casting a lot of doubt on the ACC’s commitment to fighting corruption in the electoral process in Zambia.
He stated that FODEP, therefore, recommends that the ACC should establish its presence before, during and after elections and ensure that perpetrators of electoral corruption are brought to book.
ZANIS
ECZ must have been armtwisted by Sata in all this.How do you explain that PF won in a region where they’ve never won if not for rigging,armtwisting or intimidation?This is like UPND gaining a seat in CB region where we know its unthinkable.Somethin fishy here.
how do MMD surely expect to win
Congratulations FODEP. The peoples organisations for the good work you continue to do for mother Zambia. But please dr Alex Ngoma, be honourable enough to resign. the dent is too much. stealing a ballot paper.
PF is now institutionance.
robert amsterdam – i dont understant how hez come into things. i thot he was just a lawyer for mr banda junior.
@ENKA, i fully agree.
Have u seen the pics of sata’s armed militias on Watchdog? These are the peopl HH is talking about.
Then there was sata’s wreckless speech in Mufumbwe which was bad electoral conduct.
Not to mention only 12000 out of 27000 reg voters turned up. The other 15000 are ALL opposition supporters bt were afraid to turn up. PF is rubbish
The example is not valid. If UPND was in government yes it is quite possible for them to get seats in other areas because people would want to share in the fruits of government.
Very stupid statement from FODEP.How can you be happy when some people have lostv their lives. This is just an election yet there is so much unwarranted fighting and killings.Your staement shopuld have acknowledged the loss of lives of Zambians no matter their political affiliation.It shows where you stand