Weak sensitisation hurting voter registration -GODAZA
By Tony Nkhoma
THE Governance and Development Advocates Zambia (GODAZA) has attributed the apathy surrounding the ongoing voter registration exercise to inadequate public sensitisation by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
GODAZA executive director Elias Mulenga said the ECZ must urgently address the serious challenges that have hampered citizen participation in the registration process.
In an interview with The Mast, Mulenga said a survey conducted by his organisation revealed widespread challenges, particularly among informal traders operating in markets and bus stations.
“We noted with sadness that many people in public areas have not registered as voters due to limited access to information about the registration process,” Mulenga said.
He said a significant number of traders have lost their National Registration Cards (NRCs) and are unable to find time to queue for replacements.
Mulenga said the situation has hindered their ability to register as voters.
He said the voter registration exercise should be conducted concurrently with the issuance and replacement of NRCs to ensure inclusivity.
“Such an integrated approach is essential if the ECZ is to meet its target ahead of the 2026 tripartite elections,” he said.
Mulenga urged local authorities to collaborate with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) and other media platforms to intensify awareness campaigns on both voter registration and mobile issuance of NRCs.
Mulenga emphasised that timely and accessible information was key to ensuring that no eligible citizen was left behind.
He, however, commended the ECZ for deploying backup generators at registration centres to counter the effects of load shedding.
Mulenga described the move as a commendable step towards uninterrupted service delivery.
Mulenga also appealed to the government to declare two public holidays to give the working population sufficient time to register as voters.
“Such a measure would not only facilitate greater participation but also demonstrate the national importance of the exercise,” he said.
Mulenga also urged citizens to take full advantage of the nationwide voter registration exercise and register to vote.
He called on Civil Society Organisations and faith-based institutions to help their members obtain NRCs and register.
“Every eligible Zambian must take part in shaping the country’s future by registering to vote,” he said.
