ECZ ready to conduct elections under new constitution

ECZ Spokesperson Crispin Akufuna

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says it is ready to conduct the 2016 general elections under the new republican constitution which will provide for a presidential election re-run in the event no candidate gets 50% plus one vote in the first round of voting.

ECZ Spokesperson Crispin Akufuna has told Qfm News by telephone that the Commission has actually been preparing for a possible presidential election re-run in 2016.

Mr. Akufuna says the Commission has been relying on the provisions of the draft constitution whose Bills have since been passed by Parliament.

He says the Commission has to this effect already estimated how much it will to conduct a presidential re-run after the general election.

Mr. Akufuna explains that this means that once President Edgar Lungu assents to the passed constitution amendment Bill into law, the commission will only have to revisit its plans and budget.

He however says it is too early to disclose the Commission’s estimates of how much it will cost hold a general election and a possible re-run.

Mr. Akufuna says besides looking at ensuring that all logistics are put in place for a possible re-run election, the Commission has also been pondering on the possibilities of using electronic transmission of results in next year’s elections.

He states that given the fact that the number of polling stations has been increased to about 7,700, electronic transmission of results is an area that needs revisiting to ensure that it is done effectively.

Mr. Akufuna says this will nonetheless be subject to consultation with all stakeholders who will have to first agree that results be transmitted electronically during next year’s general election.