Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Governance, Elections, Advocacy, Research Services (GEARS) initiative has doubted if the Electoral Commission of Zambia will embark on any continuous voter registration exercise anytime soon.
His comment comes shortly after the electoral commission of Zambia (ECZ) announced the postponement of the continuous voter registration among other prominent reasons were due to the forthcoming by-elections in Luwingu, Monze and Mongu.
Organization Executive Director Mcdonald Chipenzi says there is need to seriously reflect on how section 12 on the suspension of voter registration of the electoral process act, sits with the overall goal of section 7 on continuous voter registration of the same act.
Mr. Chipenzi has told QTV news in a statement that the fact that e-c-z has wholesomely suspended voter registration exercise in all the 10 districts it wished to start with perhaps and purposively using the provisions of section 12, is evidence enough to revisit and harmonize the cited provisions.
He says the decision made by ECZ to suspend the start of the continuous voter registration exercise seems to be deep-rooted law more so that the registration is free to be done for all citizens regardless of they are domiciled for purpose of voting at any polling station including in districts where by-elections are taking place.
Mr. Chipenzi is therefore advising the ECZ to also learn to anchor its decisions on law when communicating its position to the public to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and also help informed debates.