CODIFY RIGHTS OF ELECTION MONITORS, OBSERVERS

Christian Churches Monitoring Group has called for the codifying of the rights of accredited monitors and observers in the legal framework for elections.

CCMG Steering Committee Chairperson, EMMANUEL CHIKOYA says this will help monitors to observe critical processes related to Zambia’s elections, such as the continuous voter registration exercise.

Father CHIKOYA says this will also guarantee and increase transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

He says CCMG has expectations following the implementation of the Continuous Registartion of Voters by Electoral Commission of Zambia, which started on June 1st, 2022.

Father CHIKOYA told ZNBC News that among the expectation is the accreditation of monitors and access to Registration Centers, which the ECZ has not given a clear position.

He said CCMG also expects timely release of registration updates as this can inform stakeholder’s involvement in the process as it relates to voter education.

Father CHIKOYA also appealed to the ECZ to addressed challenges involving people with disabilities in order to increase inclusivity in the voter registration process.