FODEP commends ECZ for heeding to its advice

The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for heeding to its advice to have the remaining pending by elections held on the same date.

Fodep Executive Director MacDonald Chipenzi says it is encouraging to learn that there are still state institutions that listen to the concerns of the people.

Mr. Chipenzi says there is need to be prudent in the utilization of national resources, stating that one way of being cost effective is the decision taken by the ECZ to hold the by elections on the Solwezi West and Lubansenshi parliamentary by-elections on the same day.

He points out that it is now up to the people of the two constituencies to elect their representatives who will effectively represent in parliament.

Meanwhile Mr. Chipenzi says FODEP is also happy that former Kasama Central Member of Parliament Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba has challenged the decision of the Speaker to declare his seat vacant.

Mr. Chipenzi says this is test case for the country’s democracy and the doctrine of the separation of powers.