Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) says the electoral commission of Zambia (ECZ) should be given enough resources to decentralize and employ its own officers during elections.
FODEP Executive Director Macdonald Chipenzi says if the commission employ its own officers, it is easy for them to discipline them when they are found guilty of violating the law citing that at the moment, it is very difficult for ECZ to discipline polling officers as they are not its employees.
Mr. Chipenzi notes that if these officers make damages, it is the name of ECZ that is damaged or accused of violating the law when it is not the one who employed the officers citing that most of the hired officers are not even knowledgeable of the electoral process.
He says the issue of district commissioners’ imposing lists of names for recruitment as polling staff in the 20th January presidential elections is unacceptable and those found guilty should be dealt with.
Mr. Chipenzi points out that the forthcoming Presidential elections should be free and fair so that the will of the people prevails.
He has further called on the people of Zambia not to be influenced by anyone but vote for their candidate of choice who they believe will deliver according to their expectations.