ADEG Condemns Electoral Malpractices in Kawambwa Parliamentary By-Elections
ADEG Condemns Electoral Malpractices in Kawambwa Parliamentary By-Elections
Lusaka, Zambia - December 22, 2024
The Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation (ADEG) has condemned the electoral malpractices that occurred during the Kawambwa parliamentary by-elections held on December 20, 2024.
Despite the victory of UPND candidate Mr. Nasson Musonda, ADEG's monitoring team reported several incidents that undermined the integrity of the electoral process.
Gideon Musonda, Executive Director of ADEG, said in a statement that the organization had observed a range of violations during the elections.
"We deployed Field and Result Centre Monitors to track the proceedings, and the findings revealed a number of troubling practices that contravened the electoral code of conduct," he explained.
According to Musonda, these included violence, intimidation, harassment, character assassination, and provocative actions from both ruling and opposition party members.
ADEG reported that voters in Kamfukeshi area, Lushiba ward, were offered bribes as low as K20, soap, salt, and fertilizer to influence their votes.
"This unethical practice undermines the democratic process and disenfranchises voters," Musonda stated.
Additionally, Musonda suggested, there were reports of increased distribution of relief food by government institutions in the days leading up to the election.
"This raised concerns that it could be a tactic to manipulate voter behavior," Musonda added.
Monitors also observed several vehicles, including a white Landcruiser with registration number ADF 1441, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, and buses, being used to transport voters to polling stations in Chungu Village (Kala ward) and Lushiba Ward.
"This activity appeared to be an attempt to influence voters to support specific candidates," Musonda noted, emphasizing that the incident in Chungu village was reported to an official from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
On the afternoon of December 20, around 13:00 hours Musonda explained, six New Congress Party supporters were allegedly attacked by suspected UPND cadres in Chitondo area, Lushiba ward.
"The attack, which involved two Toyota Hilux vehicles and a bus, occurred after the NCP supporters attempted to intervene and stop the transportation of voters," Musonda said.
The incident was reported to the Kawambwa Police, and the victims sought medical treatment at Kawambwa Health Centre.
In light of these events, ADEG has called for a thorough investigation by both the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and Zambia Police (ZP).
Musonda urged the authorities to take swift and decisive action to prevent such malpractices from occurring in future elections.
"We also advise political parties dissatisfied with the election’s conduct or outcome to consider petitioning the result in court and conducting an audit to address concerns of electoral manipulation," he stated.
He called on all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the ECZ, to collaborate in promoting free, fair, and credible elections in Zambia.
"The foundation stressed the need for a transparent and accountable electoral process that truly reflects the will of the people," Musonda said.
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