KBF PRAISES ECZ’S PROFESSIONAL HANDLING OF NOMINATIONS, CALLS FOR CONSISTENCY
Zambia Must Prosper (ZMP) President Kelvin Fube Bwalya, alias KBF, has commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for a professional handling of the presidential nomination process, while urging the Commission to maintain the same standards throughout the electoral period.
Speaking on Conversations with HOPE on Capital FM 99.7, Mr. Bwalya said it was important to recognise professionalism whenever it was demonstrated, regardless of political differences.
“I am a professional, and when I see conduct that is professional, I believe it is important to acknowledge it,” he said.
Mr. Bwalya explained that he was impressed by the manner in which ECZ officials conducted themselves during the nomination exercise at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
“I was genuinely impressed by the manner in which the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) conducted itself during the nomination process,” he said.
He noted that the reception accorded to his team, the verification of nomination documents and the overall organisation of the process reflected a high level of professionalism.
Mr. Bwalya said ECZ officials thoroughly reviewed both the presidential and vice-presidential nomination papers before confirming that all requirements had been met and inviting the team to proceed with the process.
However, the ZMP leader cautioned that his praise was limited to the administrative handling of nominations and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the entire electoral process.
“What I am praising is the administrative handling of the nomination process, not the entire electoral process,” he said.
Mr. Bwalya further stated that political stakeholders remained vigilant because institutions played a critical role in either strengthening or undermining democracy.
He said it was still too early to determine whether the Commission would ultimately deliver a free, fair and credible election.
“You cannot judge a book before you read it,” he said.
Mr. Bwalya added that a final assessment of the ECZ’s performance would only be possible after the elections, but encouraged the Commission to uphold the professionalism demonstrated during the nomination process in the interest of Zambia and its democracy.