Ends.ECZ silence on ballot printing questioned

…Father Martin Mwango, the Rome-based priest says electoral body should update stakeholders if the printing of ballot papers has commenced as Zambia heads to the polls in less than 60 days By NATION REPORTER THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) should inform Zambians why it has not yet engaged stakeholders on the printing of ballot papers with less than 60 days remaining before the August 13 general election, Father Martin Mwango has said. Fr Mwango, a Zambian Catholic priest based in Rome, Italy, says the ECZ should provide clear information to the public regarding preparations for the elections, particularly on the printing of ballot papers, which he described as a critical component of the democratic process. In a statement, Fr Mwango said Zambians deserved transparency from ECZ on the progress being made towards the conduct of the polls. “We are now less than 60 days to elections and yet we have not heard ECZ engage stakeholders on the printing of ballots. We call on ECZ to come out clearly and tell Zambians what is happening with this important democratic exercise,” he said. He is also concerned over what the shrinking of democratic space, citing recent political developments as cause for public debate. Fr Mwango questioned remarks attributed to President Hakainde Hichilema regarding Members of Parliament who allegedly voted against Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7. “It is deeply saddening to hear the President publicly call out MPs by name for not voting for the infamous Bill 7. Who gave the President that information from the legislature?” he asked. He wondered whether the development raised concerns about the independence of the three arms of Government. “Can we now conclude that our three arms of government are no longer independent? This takes us back to the shrinking of democratic space,” Fr Mwango said. Fr Mwango also questioned whether Bill 7, which has generated public debate since its enactment, was intended to serve the interests of a political party or the broader interests of the nation. “Was Bill 7, now part of our sacred Constitution, meant for UPND as a party, or was it meant as a national constitution for all Zambians?” he asked. Fr Mwango urged institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy to ensure transparency, accountability and public confidence as the country prepares for the August 13 general election. Ends.

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Ends.ECZ silence on ballot printing questioned