AUDIT VOTERS REGISTER, NOW
…ECZ must address voter number discrepancies, logisics – stakeholders
By Thandizo Banda
STAKEHOLDERS are demanding an immediate independent audit of Zambia’s voters register ahead of the August 13 general elections citing concerns over discrepancies in voter numbers and logistical issues during registration.
The Forum for democracy and Development (FDD), All People’s Congress Party (APC) and the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) have expressed fears of electoral manipulation and the deliberate undermining of the legitimacy of the polls.
In an interview with The Mast, FDD spokesperson Anthony Chibuye demanded that government and all stakeholders work towards ensuring that an independent body is appointed to audit the voter register if fairness and credibility are to be assured.
“The FDD is fully aware that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has become dented for bias, cadreism and tribalism. The party is aware of information circulating on various media platforms that one disgruntled ECZ commissioner was quoted saying whether the opposition likes it or not President Hakainde Hichilema has already won the 2026 general elections. This statement comes barely a month when former vice president Mr Enock Kavidele made a similar sentiment that Hichilema has already won and the opposition should focus on 2031. These statements are not mere coincidences but could be and we are deeming them as part of a broader effort to rig the election in favour of President Hichilema,” Chibuye said.
He recalled a recent statement by information and media minister Cornelius Mweetwa alleging that the United Party for National Development (UPND’s) campaign tricks, imingalato (electoral deceit), is in full gear as the party prepares for the upcoming elections.
“Mweetwa emphasised that the party is ready to take on the challenge and win the elections,” he said.
Chibuye said having independent auditors to audit the voters register was important for vote protection and fairness.
“Already, certain sections of society are alleging that somewhere where the tribal administration has a stronghold, voter registration is still ongoing. Whether true or not, these allegations add to the need for an independent audit of the voter register,” he said.
Chibuye said the UPND had gone in the panic mode with the Attorney General’s Chambers pushing for electoral reforms to favour one unpopular candidate.
“How does ECZ today usurp the powers vested in the Examinations Council of Zambian and direct people to verify results with ZAQA instead of ECZ which has been doing this exercise for years? But we know as FDD that this is one of those efforts to rig the elections,” he said.
“But we want to remind President Hichilema with his cadres that Zambia is a nation of a covenant and any ploy to usurp the democratic rights of citizens will be met with God’s wrath. Zambians are today groaning because of bad leadership that is founded on tribalism, nepotism, persecution and failed economic policies. Zambians will never allow Tanzanian style of silencing opponents so that rigging is facilitated for one person,” he added.
And All People’s Congress Party (APC) president Nason Msoni has demanded a thorough audit of the voters roll, citing concerns over the integrity of the forthcoming elections.
In a separate interview with The Mast from London, United Kingdom (UK), Msoni said the exercise was crucial to ensure the credibility and transparency of the electoral process, urging authorities to leave no stone unturned in verifying the accuracy of the register.
Msoni’s call comes amid growing concerns over potential discrepancies in voter numbers and logistical issues during registration, which he says could undermine the legitimacy of the polls.
Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) programme manager Peter Mwanang’ombe said auditing the voter register was not a new concept, implying that it was a standard practice to ensure electoral integrity.
“In Zambia’s context, an audit which can be a first of its kind can help address concerns over discrepancies in voter numbers and logistical issues during registration, ensuring the August 13 elections are credible and transparent,” Mwanang’ombe said.
He said the call for a voter register audit should not be seen as targeting the ruling party a necessary step for electoral integrity.
He cited examples of countries like Zimbabwe and Kenya where audits have contributed to more transparent and credible elections.
Mwanang’ombe said this helps to ensure the voter register is accurate, up-to-date and reliable.
