ECZ targets over 6.8 million voters for 2016 polls

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has targeted to have more 6.8 million voters on its register for the 2016 general election.

ECZ Chairperson Justice Esau Chulu has told Journalists in Lusaka that the commission confident of capturing one point seven (1.7) million new voters during the forthcoming voter registration exercise to add to the existing 5.1 million voters ahead of the 2016 elections.

Justice Chulu has since stated that the commission will start the registration of new voters on the 14th September, 2015 through its mobile and district teams.

He has explained that the mobile team will be deployed in all parts of the country from the 14th of September to 11th November 2015.

Justice Chulu however indicted that the period might be extended depending on the results which will be recorded in the initial period.

And the ECZ Chairperson says voter apathy is a concern to the commission.

Justice Chulu says the commission will revamp its vote education department to sensitize voters on the need to vote.

He has also appealed to political parties to play their role in educating people on the importance of participating in elections saying ECZ alone cannot achieve the desired results.