CCMG Urges Electoral Reforms Amid Concerns Over Code of Conduct Violations

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia – December 23, 2024 – The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has called for urgent electoral reforms in Zambia following concerns over voter inducement, inadequate polling station accessibility, and delays in accreditation during the recent Kawambwa parliamentary by-election.

In a statement read on his behalf by Fr. Emmanuel Chikoya at a nedia briefing, CCMG interim chairman Andrew Mwenda emphasized the need for the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct more strictly to ensure credible elections.

“While the  Kawambwa by-election was conducted peacefully and largely adhered to procedures, persistent issues such as voter inducement and lack of accessibility for persons with disabilities undermine the credibility of elections,” the statement read.

CCMG deployed monitors to all 57 polling stations in Kawambwa Constituency for the December 20 by-election. 

According to the group's report, polling stations opened by 6:30 a.m. as scheduled, and security officers were present. 

However, only 26% of polling stations were equipped with Braille jackets for visually impaired voters, and only 29% were fully accessible to persons with disabilities.

 The findings highlight a violation of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2012, which mandates accessible polling stations.

The monitoring group also documented several violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct during the pre-election period, including voter inducement by political party officials. 

Mwenda called on the ECZ to monitor compliance and impose sanctions on offenders. 

“The ECZ must deploy its members to political rallies to ensure adherence to the Code and act swiftly on documented violations,” Chikoya read.

Additionally, CCMG raised concerns over delays in the accreditation of its monitors, criticizing the ECZ for failing to provide a clear timetable. 

This forced monitors to shuttle between Kawambwa and Mansa, creating logistical challenges. “The ECZ must establish a transparent accreditation process to avoid unnecessary costs and delays,” the statement read.

The group also recommended that the ECZ take immediate steps to comply with legal requirements for making polling stations accessible to persons with disabilities. 

This includes building ramps and providing election materials in formats accessible to all voters. CCMG further urged the ECZ to ensure that state resources are not used for political campaigns and that ministers involved in campaigns take unpaid leave and refrain from using official vehicles.

The organization also urged political parties to prioritize the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities and to conduct peaceful campaigns. 

CCMG called on the Zambia Police to provide impartial protection and investigate election-related violence.

Despite these concerns, Mwenda commended electoral officials for adhering to procedures and voters for their dedication. “We remain committed to promoting transparency and integrity in Zambia’s electoral process,” he said.

CCMG also reiterated the need for collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, including the ECZ, political parties, and civil society organizations, to strengthen Zambia’s democratic processes.