Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Oasis Forum Spokesperson Pukuta Mwanza
The Oasis Forum has observed that a lot of work needs to done to improve the current electoral system to ensure that elections in Zambia are conducted in a transparent, free and fair manner.
And the Oasis Forum has observed that last month’s election also highlighted the need to introduce the more than fifty percent threshold for a presidential candidate to be elected into office.
In a statement made available to QFM News, Oasis Forum Spokesperson Pukuta Mwanza believes that it is highly desirable to ensure that the presidential candidate wins an election with a convincing margin so that all Zambians are persuaded that the elected candidate has the mandate of the majority of Zambians.
Reverend Mwanza also notes that the apparent opulence with which the campaigns were carried out also raised concerns as to the source of funding of political parties.
He says the Oasis Forum believes it is necessary to put in place legislation that will allow transparency and accountability in the manner in which money is raised for political campaigns.
Reverend Mwanza says the increased levels of inter-party violence were also a cause for concern, not only because it revealed tribal and regional divisions in the country but also raised concern about the independence and impartiality of the law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order in an impartial manner.
He adds that the apparent tribalism and regionalism exhibited pre- and post-election warrants a thorough investigation into the reasons for this scourge that threatens the very fabric of the society.
Reverend Mwanza, who is also Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Executive Director, says aligned to this is the need for stronger legislation to ensure that political parties adhere to the electoral laws and code of conduct to ensure free and fair elections.
He says the challenges faced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia in collecting the election results also revealed not only the lack of rural infrastructure but also the need to create an election system that is fast and efficient regardless of the weather or infrastructure challenges.