TI-Z Raises Election Transparency Concerns Ahead of Polls

Transparency International Zambia has raised concern over what it describes as increasing electoral integrity issues with just nine days remaining before the August 13 general elections.

In its sixth Election Monitoring Update under the Kuteteza Masankho Project, the organization says its election monitors have observed an increasing number of campaign vehicles operating with concealed registration number plates, particularly those used during campaign activities by the ruling UPND.

TI-Z executive director Maurice Nyambe says concealing vehicle registration plates undermines transparency and accountability and makes it difficult to identify vehicles involved in road traffic or electoral offences.

He  has called on the Road Transport and Safety Agency and the Zambia Police Service to enforce the law impartially against all offenders.

Mr. Nyambe has also commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia for promoting transparency during the ballot paper printing exercise in Dubai by accrediting political parties, civil society organisations, election observers and the media to witness the process.

He has, however, encouraged the Commission to maintain open communication while urging stakeholders to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, TI-Z has expressed concern over what it says is the continued involvement of some public officers in partisan political activities during the election period.

Mr. Nyambe has reminded civil servants that active participation in politics is prohibited under the Public Service Disciplinary Code and has called for disciplinary action against officers found in breach of the regulations.

He has further urged all political parties, public institutions, candidates and citizens to uphold transparency, accountability, the rule of law and peaceful participation as the country heads towards polling day.