EU calls for equal voting rights, free, fair polls

By MUBITA KATETE

THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) should ensure that all eligible citizens are able to exercise their right to vote on an equal and universal basis in the August 13 general elections the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has said.

Speaking on the Phoenix Breakfast Show, the Mission’s Deputy Chief Observer, Dr. Beata Rozumilowicz, said the ECZ is facing the challenge of implementing the country’s new legal framework and electoral system, which requires enhanced training of election officials and comprehensive voter education.

“The Electoral Commission has the responsibility of ensuring that every eligible citizen is able to vote on an equal and universal basis. This includes persons with disabilities, who have the same right to participate in the electoral process as every other citizen,” Dr. Rozumilowicz said.

She encouraged the commission to strengthen measures that would make the electoral process more inclusive and accessible to all eligible voters.

And Dr. Rozumilowicz said the EU Election Observation Mission will also assess the country’s Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes legislation as part of its broader evaluation of its legal framework governing the elections.

She said that cyber legislation has become an important aspect of election observation missions across the world, including within some European Union member states.

“Cyber laws are important because they protect citizens from genuine harm. However, they must also safeguard fundamental freedoms, including the right to freedom of expression, and that is one of the issues we will be assessing during our observation mission,” she said.

Dr. Rozumilowicz observed that Zambia’s political landscape differs from that of Zimbabwe, describing Zambia as a country with a well-established tradition of political plurality.

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