PF’s Dismissal Of Election Observers Is Disappointing and Shocking – TIZ

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) have said that the Patriotic Front’s (PF) dismissal of the importance of election observers in the upcoming August 12th election is both disappointing and shocking.

Following a statement by PF Secretary General Davies Mwila, which said that election observers are not needed in the country, TIZ have commented that the presence of international and local observers at the elections are a key part of Zambia’s electoral process.

Speaking during an interview, TIZ Executive Director Maurice Nyambe said that TIZ were concerned over the comments made by the PF.

“TIZ notes with great concern that comments by the PF Secretary General Davies Mwila that election observers are not needed in Zambia because the country is not at war. We find these comments to be not only unreasonable and devoid of logic, but also a blatant attack on our democratic aspirations as a country,” Mr Nyambe said.

In order to conduct free and fair elections within the country, electoral observers must be in place, TIZ added.

“Their [electoral observers] relevance lies in the fact that they are able to make independent and objective observation and many aspects of the electoral process, which adds to the credibility and integrity of the process,” the executive director added.

Mr Nyambe subsequently commented that the lack of understanding by such a senior member of the PF on the importance of election observers was “disappointing and shocking”.

The interview finished by Mr Nyambe challenging the PF to promote “transparency, accountability and integrity in the electoral process, rather than being at the forefront to denounce key players promoting these values.”