KAWAMBWA VOTING, AMIDST ELECTORAL FRAUD REPORTS
The people of Kawambwa are voting today, 20th December 2024 in a by-election that has been marred with reports of alleged fraud.
On the eve of the poll, reports of voter registration from another district called Nchilenge were reported and Voters were expected to be verified to vote in Kawambwa a.
The run-up has also been characterized with suspicion with the opposition Tonse Alliance accusing the ruling party, UPND of having schemed to rig the poll. Arrests of Tonse Alliance leaders suspected to have conducted an illegal search at the UPND camp were confirmed by the police.
Below are reports as Kawambwa votes today to replace jailed Nixon Chilangwa.
KAWAMBWA ELECTION ROUND UP.
UPND AND ECZ COLLABORATE TO COMMIT ELECTION FRAUD
Exposing and Condemning Electoral Fraud in Kawambwa Elections
It is with great concern and a profound sense of responsibility to the people of Zambia that I address the reports of blatant electoral fraud allegedly taking place in Kawambwa. Reports indicate that officials from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), in collaboration with the United Party for National Development (UPND), are engaging in illegal activities at the Civic Center in Nchelenje on the eve of the Dec 20th elections.
Evidence suggests that voter cards are still being printed and issued on the eve of the election, with no issue dates visible on these cards. Furthermore, voters are reportedly being ferried from NChelenje to Kawambwa to cast ballots in an area where they do not reside. Such actions undermine the integrity of Zambia’s democratic processes and contravene the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections.
*Let it be clear: these actions are not only unethical but also illegal.* Electoral laws in democratic societies, including Zambia, mandate that the issuance of voter cards must close well before the election day. Voting is reserved for eligible citizens residing within the electoral area to ensure fairness and accuracy. Ferrying voters from one town to another to influence election outcomes is a gross violation of the law and the trust of the Zambian people.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia, tasked with safeguarding our democracy, has instead become an alleged accomplice in criminal activities that erode the public’s confidence in our electoral system. Such conduct is an affront to Zambia’s 60 years of independence and a disgrace to the democratic legacy that our forebears fought to establish.
As a human rights consultant and a Zambian deeply committed to justice and democracy, I call on:
1. The *ECZ officials involved in this malpractice to resign* immediately to pave the way for impartial and credible leadership within the Commission.
2. All legal and civic organizations to rise in unison and demand accountability from the ECZ.
3. The Zambian government to initiate an independent investigation into these allegations and prosecute any individuals found guilty of electoral fraud, regardless of their political affiliation.
This nation deserves better than being reduced to a “banana republic” where electoral fraud thrives unchecked. The integrity of our elections must be preserved, for it is the foundation upon which our democracy stands.
I urge all Zambians to remain vigilant and steadfast in their commitment to democracy. *Let us protect the sanctity of our votes and demand a future where every election reflects the true will of the people.*
Pumulo Situmbeko
Founder and Human Rights Consultant,
Nangoma Foundation Zambia