Christian Coalition Praises ECZ Online Voter Reg

The Christian Coalition has commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for its new online voter registration procedures, which should make democratic practice more accessible for citizens.

The ECZ is currently trialling the new system in preparation for its official launch in September 2020.

The President of the Christian Coalition, Professor Charles Mwape has welcomed the move as Zambia embraces technology and new forms of connectivity in business, society and politics.

Professor Mwape says the online initiative gives an opportunity to extend the political franchise to the growing youth population, who will be able to participate and cast their democratic vote in the 2021 general election.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has set itself the target of registering nine million voters ahead of the 2021 election; the transition to an online registration platform is said to be a positive step in a democratic direction.

Professor Mwape further suggested that those opposing the move were not forward thinking, and did not understand the modern, electronic world. He assured critics that the move would encourage more people to vote as the whole electoral process would be more convenient for those will internet access. 

The ChristiancCoalition’s President did not shy away from criticism of the Electoral Commission, however, as he called for the ECZ’s Chairperson, Justice Essau Chulu to step down for failure to reduce nomination fees ahead of the 2021 polls.

The current high fees prohibit many Zambians from participating in elections due to cost. The ECZ is under increasing pressure to lower the nomination fees in time for next year’s election.