Generally well-administered and peaceful election day marred by systematic bias in state media,
and restrictions on the campaign

Lusaka, 13 August 2016

On election day, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) observed voting at 520 polling streams throughout the country. The conduct of voting was positively assessed in almost all polling stations observed. Voting procedures were well implemented. The overall assessment of the closing and counting process, though protracted, was good or very good in most polling stations observed. The Mission’s Chief Observer, Ms Cécile Kyenge said this at a press conference in Lusaka, when she presented the preliminary statement of the Mission, outlining the main findings of her team’s long-term observations.

Chief Observer Cécile Kyenge commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for demonstrating professionalism in its preparations for the elections, despite issues of mistrust and accusations of bias present in the pre-election period. “We have closely followed the work of ECZ since the end of June. Navigating this complex and sensitive process so far is an achievement in itself” – Ms Kyenge said. She added, however, that ECZ did miss opportunities to enhance transparency and trust in the electoral process amongst political parties and the general public.

Campaign activities were hindered by several factors, among others by ECZ’s decision to suspend campaigns for ten days in Lusaka and Namwala, which the EU EOM saw as a disproportionate move, and which unduly affected small parties and independent candidates. Police also had a role in limiting the campaign, by broadly interpreting the provisions of the Public Order Act, and using its provisions to unfairly block events of opposition parties at short notice.

State media demonstrated systematic bias in its failure to provide fair and equitable coverage of the campaigns of all parties, limiting the possibility for voters to make an informed choice. “News coverage of the state broadcaster was biased in favour of the PF and largely excluded other parties, or only reported other parties negatively” – Chief Observer Kyenge said. She also added that restrictions on private newspaper The Post constituted a serious infringement on freedom of expression during the campaign and severely limited opportunities for the opposition to access print media.

The EU EOM continues to observe the totalling of results, but regrets that its observers do not have access to the verification of results at the national results centre, despite formal requests. As so far observed, initial findings indicate totalling was generally orderly but slow, and with some technical difficulties. Party agents and observers had sufficient access to constituency totalling centres.

The EU EOM welcomes the anticipated publication on the official ECZ website of all individual polling station results forms, to ensure transparency and build confidence in the results, and urges this be done in a timely manner. Michael Gahler, head of the European Parliament delegation that joined the EU EOM before election day, especially underlined “the necessity to provide for transparency of all stakeholders at all levels and all times.”

The EU Election Observation Mission’s preliminary findings are based on the long-term observation that it conducted in Zambia since 29 June. The statement is preliminary because the election process is not yet over, with counting and tabulation still ongoing. The EU EOM remains in Zambia until the end of the process, and will also observe the complaints process after the election results are communicated.

Approximately two months after the conclusion of the electoral process a comprehensive final report will also be presented by the Mission, with recommendations for future elections.

You can Download the Full Report Here

EU EOM Preliminary Statement 13 Aug ZAMBIA

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia to rescind it’s decision of not allowing stakeholders ask questions that will enable them to clarify queries on the result it is announcing on the Presidential vote.

Isaac Mwanza the YALI Governance Advisor said despite their disapproval of UPND’s Martha Mushipe’s confrontational behavior the decision by the Commission extra punitive against other stakeholders who would want to clarify before the Commission declares anyone winer.

He said the Commission must that the country is a multi-party start where different opinions should be tolerated.

“Despite our disapproval in the manner the United Party for National Development (UPND) legal counsel, Martha Mushipe, conducted herself in a confrontational manner which is not befitting the high status she holds as a learned lawyer, YALI finds the decision by the Commission extra punitive against other stakeholders who are genuinely interested in having matters clarified before the Commission can declare anyone a winner in this competitive election.

“The Commission must appreciate that Zambia has embraced multipartism where different opinions, including those who may opt to use emotions or sarcastic language, must be tolerated and we as such think the Commission must move with its well – set and long time tradition where the Commission has been able to allow stakeholders to raise questions on issues they may need clarity,” he said.

He also called on the Commission to quickly honor it’s commitment to publicise the outcome of ye Referendum outcome from Constituencies alongside announcement for Presidential results as was promised by ECZ Director of Elections, Priscilla Isaacs.

Mr Mwanza also wants clarity on the numbers needed to meet the referendum for it to be successful.

“The Commission had further promised to revert to the public to clarify on how many numbers will need to be met in the referendum for it to be successful and how many should be able to say YES. We therefore request ECZ and the Commission to provide guidance on this matter,” he said.

He also said YALI was disturbed by the Commission’s silence on the man arrested for entering the ECZ IT room.

“We are also disturbed that the Commission is constantly avoiding informing the nation on the arrest of the man who was found in their server or IT room despite the fact that it has taken over 24 hours. To remove any such suspicion that the vote has been tampered with, the Commission may do well to inform the nation on that matter and, most importantly, to submit the requested Gen12 form which political players have requested.

“The Commission must consider not proceeding to declare anyone a winner in this election before they can handover these forms to stakeholders for them to reconcile the vote. The Zambian Constitution demands that electoral disputes must quickly be resolved and the Courts must be seen only as a last option when and if the Commission fails to handle these disputes .

“We have confidence in the capacity of the Commission to deal with electoral disputes and we believe the Commission appreciates that conducting elections elections is more than just announcing results and declaring a winner. It is their primary duty to ensure that the Electoral Process Act and Code is enforced,” he said.

Earlier during the first briefing Ms Mushipe accused some ECZ officials of colluding with the PF to alter the presidential elections result a thing that lead to bitter exchange of words with ECZ Public Relations Manager Chris Akufuna.

UPND legal counsel Martha Mushipe has demanded that ECZ director Pricila Isaacs and two others steps down from their positions for colluding with the PF to rig the elections.

Ms Mushipe who bitterly exchanged words with ECZ Public Relations Manager Chris Akufuna said Ms Isaacs, Mr Kasaro and a third person whom she did not mention were linked to Samuel Chavula the man arrested for gaining access to the ECZ Sever room.

Ms Mushipe said the three were working together as Chavula had indicated that he was working with ECZ officials.

She accused the ECZ of changing some results in favor of the PF saying the elections will be petitioned in the event that UPND loses the polls.

She also demanded that a source document called the GEN 12 be made accessible to the parties as the credibility of election results relies on the same document being available to all parties.

Meanwhile Chris Akufuna furiously told Ms Mushipe to stop abusing the ECZ officials as the courtesy extend to party officials to ask questions was meant to facilitate for interaction and not an opportunity for abusing them.

He said those who felt they were not being listened to should find other alternatives as opposed to being abusive to the officials who were just doing their job.

He said no one will get anything from shouting.

Tempers at Mulungushi were the ECZ is totalling and announcing the presidential results are rising as it seems the results are taking long to be announced.

Club marks latest step in The Latitude Hotels’ Pan-African development. 

The Latitude Hotels unveiled the latest addition to its Africa-wide development plan, The Other Side, an exclusive private members’ club, located in Kabulonga, Lusaka. Playfully named for its position next to its boutique hotel, Latitude 15°, it is the group’s second major Zambian investment following the launch of the hotel almost two years ago.

The club includes an in-house bar & lounge, restaurant, heated swimming pool, spa, gym and an array of dedicated workspaces.

“The Other Side is a unique private environment for socialising, networking, enterprise and innovation”, remarked James Lightfoot, Co-founder and Director of The Latitude Hotels. “Latitude 15° has not only been a success as a residential luxury hotel, but as a socialising and networking hub amongst the local community. We wanted to extend that into a more private environment, which has resulted in The Other Side. Unlike many other private members’ clubs, The Other Side will exude a more informal buzz, whether our members are looking for a place to work or relax”.

Designed by Zambia’s Lightfoot Designs and the Malawian design house, Katundu, the feel of the club is both whimsical and elegant, drawing on a combination of international and local influences. The majority of the furnishings and fittings were designed and made in Zambia and Malawi. The group’s vision has been built around creating luxury experiences out of ethical environments, empowering women and artisans whilst utilising recycled and sustainable materials.

All memberships include a social component, but members can upgrade to Fitness, Business or ‘The Other’ Memberships, the latter a combination of all three. In addition to the facilities on offer the club will also craft a regular series of music, art, cultural, business and culinary events. “The idea is to keep things fresh, involving and intriguing”, commented James Stuart, Director of The Latitude Hotels. “The club aims to evolve and stimulate through novel and unexpected events, continuously engaging and surprising our members”.

The Other Side will also open in Lilongwe, Malawi in September. Both the group’s hotel and club offerings will continue to expand across Africa. Latitude 15° will open an additional 20 guest rooms in late 2016, Kampala is currently under construction, with new developments in the pipeline in Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Maputo, Harare, Dar es Salaam and Kigali.

“We see significant opportunities, not only because of the growth of various African economies, but also because of the lack of and demand for stylish, contemporary, sociable hospitality. We don’t subscribe to luxury having to be formal or predictable. Africa is changing rapidly in so many ways and we want to be a reflection of a newer, more adventurous, more entrepreneurial continent”, Mr. Lightfoot concluded.

(Mwebantu.com)

Margaret Mwanakatwe has become the first candidate sponsored by a ruling party to scoop the Lusaka Central parliamentary seat since the reintroduction of multi party olitics in 1991.

Since the reintroduction of plural politics, the Lusaka Central seat has only been won by opposition candidates.

Ms Mwanakatwe beat UPND Candidate Charlotte Scott, who was contesting a seat long held by her husband, Guy Scott.

Meanwhile , the Patriotic Front (PF) is on course to dominating the 156-seat Parliament with at least 87 constituencies secured in Thursday’s elections.

The polls have also seen some hitherto big names failing to win their respective contests while some constituencies have settled for independent candidates.

The PF has scored massive victories in Eastern (15), Luapula (14), Copperbelt (16), Muchinga (10), Northern (12), Central (9) and Lusaka (9) provinces. It has also won one seat each in North-Western and Western provinces.

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has dominated wins in Southern Province, Western Province and North-Western Provinces

Pique Radcliffe Ziko commonly known as Peezey Cables is a producer , singer and song writer. He is a founding father and CEO of Helium Prime. He has produced and written songs for Eddie black, Exile (Israel), The Kicks, 2wo 1one, Macky II and others.

Peezy Cables recently released a single called Raw Booster ,that features Chef187 ,which has been well received by the Zambian Music audience. Listen to the song HERE.

BY KAPA187

UPND president Hakainde Hichilema has taken a comfortable lead in the presidential race from the eight constituencies that have so far being released by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

Mr Hichilema’s tally rose to 47, 706 after President Edgar Lungu’s 41 572 after five more constituencies were announced.

The five constituencies whose results were announced by ECZ Chairman Essau Chulu after midnight were from Ikelengi, Masaiti, Vubwi, Mambilima and Mulobezi.

In Masaiti, Mr Hichilema polled 7,794 while President Lungu had 6,421 followed by Andyford Banda of the People’s Alliance for Change who managed 56.

Savior Chishimba of the UPP was fourth with 35 followed by UNIP’s Tilyenji Kaunda who got 28 and Edith Nawakwi of the FDD who had 23 and Peter Sinkamba of the Green Party with 14 while Wynter Kabimba of the Rainbow Party received 13 votes and Maxwell Kabamba of the DA had 10 votes.

In Vubwi, President Edgar Lungu polled 6,023 followed by Mr Hichilema with 2,238 votes and Edith Nawakwi with 221 votes while Andyford Banda of PAC had 128 followed by UNIP’s Tilyenji Kaunda with 92 votes and Mr Kabimba of the Rainbow had 79 followed by UPP’s Savior Chishimba with 57 while Mr Kabamba of the DA had 25 and Peter Sinkamba from the Greens party had 22 votes.

In Mambilima constituency, President Lungu was leading with 8,492 followed by Mr Hichilema with 1,735, Mr Banda of PAC with 136 and Ms. Nawakwi of the FDD with 103 and UNIP with 57, UPP 28, DA 17, Rainbow 9 and the Greens party with 7.

Ikelengi, HH polled 12,229 while President Lungu managed 958 and FDD had 68 votes followed by PAC with 37 and Rainbow Party and UPP tied with 28 votes each while the Green party had 19 votes and UNIP with 17 and the DA got 8.

In Mulobezi, Mr Hichilema polled 7,352 votes while President Lungu received 2,058 and UNIP had 192 followed by PAC with 35, UPP 28, FDD with 21 and Rainbow party with 19 and Green party with 15 and the DA had 13.

Justice Chulu announced that the next briefing is expected at 11 Hours Sunday.

President Edgar Lungu has opened up a marginal lead over his main challenger Hakainde Hichilema with results from three constituencies declared.

President Lungu is leading the pack after polling 17,620 votes closely followed by UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema who has polled 16,358.

The three constituencies who results have been verified and declared are Feira, Mwansabombwe and Chavuma.

The results were announced by ECZ Chairperson and presidential election returning officer Essau Chulu.

In third place is UNIP’s Tilyenji Kaunda who polled 155 followed by Andyford Banda from People’s Alliance for Change who managed 135 votes.

UPP’s Savior Chishimba polled 97 votes followed by Edith Nawakwi from the FDD who polled 82 votes while Wynter Kabimba of the Rainbow Party polled 48 followed by Green Party’s Green Sinkamba with 28 votes.

Maxwell Kabamba of the Democratic Assembly only managed 22 votes.

At parliamentary level, the PF scooped Feira, Mwansabombwe while the UPND won the Chavuma parliamentary seat.
The second batch of results is expected at 22 Hours.

And Justice Chulu has apologised for the delays in announcing the verified results blaming the delays on the slow process of counting the ballots at polling stations.

He also revealed that the ECZ information system was slow in receiving the results during the afternoon and only picked up later in the evening.

Justice Chulu further disclosed that the Commission met all the presidential candidates to assure them of the Commission’s commitment to delivering a credible election.

He said President Lungu who is also the PF presidential candidate was represented by party Secretary General Davies Chama.

And ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Priscilla Isaac has revealed that a man believed to be a PF member has been detained by police after he was found to have accessed the ECZ Data centre at the Results Centre at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

Ms. Isaac said she expressed concern over the security procedures at the data centre and called on ECZ officers to strengthen data security to protect the process.