REMARKS BY ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA CHAIRPERSON, THE HONOURABLE MRS JUSTICE IRENE MAMBILIMA, AT THE CONSULTATIVE FORUM ON PEACEFUL, FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS ON APRIL 16, 2013 AT MULUNGUSHI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTER., Page 1 of 7
The Key-note Speaker, and former Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa, Dr Brigalia Bam, The former Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho, Mr Leshele Thoahlane, Members of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Presidents and representatives of Political parties, The Inspector General of Police, The Chairperson, Anti-Corruption Commission, The Chairperson, Human Rights Commission, Leaders of the Church mother-bodies, Faith-based organisations and Civil Society Organisations, The Director, ECZ, Ladies and Gentlemen. Page 2 of 7
I welcome you all to this consultative forum where the Electoral Commission of Zambia has brought together leaders of political parties, Faith-based organisations, Civil Society Organisations and the Zambia Police to deliberate on the deteriorating peaceful environment, currently obtaining in the country during the conduct of by-elections. I wish to thank you and our facilitators for finding the time to attend this very important meeting. The Electoral Commission of Zambia is deeply concerned with the rising levels of intolerance and violence by political parties during elections. Sadly, we have, in recent times witnessed the apparent disregard of the Electoral Code of Conduct and the Commission s mandate to conduct elections by some stakeholders. Page 3 of 7
This was very evident in the recent by-elections held in Mpongwe and Livingstone which compelled the Commission to postpone the by-election in Livingstone. On several occasions, the Commission has reminded stakeholders that it is the only legally mandated body to conduct elections in Zambia. In addition, aspiring candidates and their political parties always declare to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct during nominations in every by-election. In spite of all this, what we have witnessed during by-elections is compliance more in breach than anything else. This trend must be nipped in the bud before it gets out of hand and dents the gains made so far in country s electoral process. As we have stated time and again, The Commission will therefore not stand by to see the good reputation that Zambia has been credited with, worldwide, following the successful conduct of the 2011 tripartite elections being negated by the Page 4 of 7
abrogation of electoral regulations and irresponsible conduct of some stakeholders. In our quest to ensure that there is a level playing field during elections and to prevent the Zambian electorate from enduring the trauma of intimidation and violence, the Commission deemed it fit to hold a consultative forum with political parties, Faith Based Organisations and other stakeholders so that we chart a way forward for the holding of peaceful, free and fair elections. It is the firm belief of the Commission that the solution to the current challenges in the electoral process is in our hands as stakeholders. While the Commission has limited legal powers to deal with the abrogation of electoral regulations, it must be realised that all the other stakeholders in the electoral process, namely, the Page 5 of 7
political parties, the media, the civil society organisations, the ACC, DEC and members of the public have a role to play. We all have to co-operate to ensure a level playing field for all participants during elections. It must be realised that an election is a process in which all citizens are partakers. All eligible voters have a right to place themselves on the voters roll: they have a right to freely participate in elections either as candidates or as voters. Peaceful and free campaigns as well as fair media coverage are necessary. The poll day or voting day is the icing on the cake. It is just an event. The credibility of an election will be judged on the benchmarks of the entire process. Sadly, we are now seeing the emergence of a disturbing trend where participants in elections are chasing numbers on the voting day without any regard to the other facets which complete the jigsaw puzzle of the electoral process. Really, should we walk through rivers of blood just to attain those numbers? Our freedom fighters shed blood to gain the right to Page 6 of 7
vote. Why should people die in this day and age during elections. Surely, are we saying that we cannot manage diversity? Time for introspection is now. I therefore challenge all stakeholders in the electoral process to be as candid and frank as possible in our deliberations and ensure that when we conclude, we will have agreed on a way forward. It is my earnest prayer that we will have fruitful deliberations. I thank you. Page 7 of 7