PUBLICISE VOTER REGISTRATION EXTENSION, FODEP TELL ECZ

By Globe Reporter
Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has asked Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to publicise the extension of voter registration exercise.
 FODEP executive director MacDonald Chipenzi asked ECZ to consider to addressing some of the challenges that affected the previous exercises.
“FODEP would like to welcome and commend the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for the resumption of the Mobile Voter Registration exercise. However, the Electoral Commission of Zambia should consider addressing some of the challenges that affected the previous exercises such as; Publicity due to lack of effective synergies between the Commission, Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS Ministry of Broadcasting and Information Services, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and Area Development Committees (ADC). These institutions must own the process and help the Commission effectively reach out the public especially that this is a farming period,” Chipenzi said. “Charges slapped on people who are overage who want to obtain their NRCs and those who want to replace the lost NRCs by the Department of National Registration and Passport Cards (DNRPCs) and Zambia Police Force respectively. Address the attitude of some of the
 Voter Registration and NRC officers. Our field visits have revealed that the attitude of some of officers needs much to be desired.  Involvement of the political parties in the exercise. “
Chipenzi urged all political players not to politicise the exercise but encourage their members to turn en masse to register as voters.
“We also pray that the exercise will pay special attention to schools and persons with disabilities,” he said.
Meanwhile FODEP has welcomed the impending reappointment of former ECZ Chairperson, Justice Irene Mambilima,  as ECZ Chairperson.
Chipenzi said the move is a step in the right direction and coming at the right time.
“FODEP would like to express its gratitude that the vacancy has been filled with the consideration of the gender aspect,” he said. “FODEP also hopes and is confident that the filling of the position of the Chairperson at the Commission will help restore stability, trust and confidence in the Commission and normalize its operations.”
Chipenzi, however, said there was an urgent need for the Commission to ensure that the position of the ECZ director was normalised so that the country does not go into elections preparations with an acting director of elections.
“This is one way of ensuring that the director performs her/his duties without fear and favour as she/he will have the security of tenure,” he said.