Monitoring Group Call on Electoral Commission to be More Proactive
The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has said the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) should have been more proactive in combatting electoral violence.
The by-elections in Chama, Lusangazi, Mwense and Mkushi Districts were characterised by electoral violence in the final days of the campaign. The ECZ condemned the acts in a statement but did not take direct action, a decision the CCMG Steering Committee Chairperson Bishop Andrew Mwenda has criticised. Mwenda has also accused the police of inaction as few have been arrested in relation to the incidents.
The UPND were victorious in Mkushi, Mwense and Lusangazi districts.
The group, who have been committed to the monitoring the electoral process since 2014, commented: “It is our considered view that the ECZ should have invoked the Electoral Process Act and taken appropriate action immediately to demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to holding transparent and credible elections.” The ECZ insist that acts of violence, whilst deplorable, remained isolated and did not alter the outcome of the by-elections.
A further troubling development is that Raphael Nakachinda, a Patriotic Front Member of the Central Committee, has made allegations that ballot papers were pre-marked. This unquestionable act of election rigging, if verified, would result in the invalidation of all affected elections. Although the claims remain unsubstantiated, the CCMG expressed its satisfaction that the ECZ were investigating the matter. The CCMG noted “the matter is serious and must be treated with the seriousness it deserves” and so welcomed the news that the ECZ has invited Makachinda to discuss his allegations with the commission.
The CCMG urged parties not to indulge in voter inducement for it violates the electoral code of conduct and undermines electoral integrity. They also noted to practice of electoral demands, requirements to be met in order to vote, being abused by polling officials who place false entry requirements that fall outside of the law. Such extra-legal activities encourage electoral corruption.
Bishop Mwenda concluded: “CCMG calls on the Zambia Police, Anti-Corruption Commission, and other relevant law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate all reports of violence, intimidation and vote buying and arrest perpetrators irrespective of their political affiliation. CCMG commends the voters who exercised their democratic rights in the 4 November by-elections.”
The New Dawn government has repeatedly demonstrated its desire to stamp out corruption and has, according to a statement made at the Zambia-EU political dialogue in June, started implementing recommendations on electoral and political reform. However, civil society groups such as CCMG have called for further reform to take place. Whilst pledged, such groups are still waiting for concrete action to stamp out the electoral violence that has long troubled the democratic process in Zambia.