Electoral Commission of Zambia Addresses Allegations of Secret Voter Registration
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) held a press briefing today at its headquarters to address allegations regarding the Continuous Registration of Voters (CRV) in the country. The ECZ welcomed media personnel and various stakeholders to clarify the situation.
In a statement issued by Mr. Royd Katongo, Director Electoral Operations, the purpose of the briefing was to address allegations made by Mr. Raphael Nakachinda of the Patriotic Front (PF) regarding secret voter registration activities in certain districts perceived to be UPND strongholds.
Mr. Nakachinda alleged that the government was conducting covert registration in Southern Province, Western Province, North Western Province, and parts of the Copperbelt.
The ECZ expressed concern over these allegations and emphasized that its mandate is to conduct voter registration across the entire country. The Commission had been providing monthly updates on the number of registered voters in various districts and regions as part of the CRV process.
Continuous Registration of Voters began in June 2022 across ten provincial districts. The ECZ engaged with political parties, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and the media to provide updates on the expansion of voter registration activities to an additional ten districts.
On September 5, 2023, the Commission officially launched Continuous Registration of Voters in these ten additional districts, bringing the total number of districts conducting CRV to twenty.
The ECZ highlighted that it conducts voter education in these districts to inform eligible voters about registration opportunities at designated centers. The Commission firmly stated that there is no secrecy in the voter registration process, and it is not confined to specific regions, as alleged by Mr. Nakachinda.
The ECZ urged the public not to be influenced by false and malicious insinuations and called on all stakeholders to refrain from spreading misinformation, as it undermines the credibility of the electoral process.
The Commission emphasized its commitment to reporting individuals who spread false and malicious statements to law enforcement agencies for appropriate action.
Those seeking further information about CRV activities were encouraged to approach Town Clerks, Council Secretaries, and Provincial Local Government Officers in their respective districts and provinces.
