No secret voter registration being conducted – ECZ

THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has dismissed assertions by Patriotic Front (PF) Spokesperson Raphel Nakachinda alleging that the commission is conducting secret voter registration in purported strongholds of the United Party for National Development (UPND).

ECZ Director Electoral Operations Roy Katongo said the commission has noted with serious concern following the unfounded allegations raised by Mr Nakachinda.

“The Electoral Commission of Zambia has noted with concern the serious allegations attributed to Mr. Raphael Nakachinda of the Patriotic Front (PF) that there is a secret voter registration in selected districts/regions perceived to be strongholds of the United Party for National Development (UPND),” said Mr Katongo.

Speaking during a media briefing, Mr Katongo said it is wrong and misleading for Mr Nakachinda to allege that the commission is conducting secret registration of voters in selected districts and regions perceived to be strongholds of the ruling party.

Mr Katongo assured electoral stakeholders that there is no secrecy in the ongoing voter registration exercise being conducted by the commission.

He reiterated that the continuous voter registration exercise is not confined to certain regions as alleged by Mr Nakachinda.

“Arising from this, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Commission wishes to advise all electoral stakeholders that there is  absolutely no secrecy in the registration of voters and this exercise is not confined only to certain regions as alleged by Mr Raphael Nakachinda of the Patriotic Front,” said Mr Katongo. 

He disclosed that the continuous voter registration exercise is currently being done in twenty districts.

The ECZ Director Electoral Operations challenged Mr Nakanchinda to avail the commission with evidence supporting his allegations.

Mr Katongo implored members of the public not to be swayed by malicious and false insinuations made by some electoral stakeholders. 

“We urge the public at large not to be swayed by such malicious and false insinuations,” he said.

Mr Katongo urged electoral stakeholders to desist from issuing misleading misinformation to the members of the public as this has the potential to undermine the credibility of the electoral process and can be a source for anarchy.

“Therefore, the Commission would like to reiterate that it takes such allegations seriously and further reminds all stakeholders to desist from misleading members of the public with misinformation and disinformation because such undermines the credibility of the electoral process and can be a source for anarchy,” said Mr Katongo

The ECZ Director Electoral Operations warned that the commission won’t hesitate to report individuals in the habit of spreading falsehoods and malicious statements , to relevant law enforcement agencies for appropriate action.

And when asked why the commission has not reported Mr Nakachinda to relevant law enforcement agencies, Mr Katongo said the commission is still studying the case. 

“In conclusion, the Commission will not hesitate to report such individuals in the habit of spreading falsehoods and malicious statements to relevant law enforcement agencies for appropriate action,” said Mr Katongo.

“For those still in doubt about the roll out of CRV can approach Town Clerks/ Council Secretaries and Provincial Local Government Officers in respective districts and provinces respectively,” He said.

It is purported that, Mr Nakachinda while addressing party officials in Ndola, alleged that the government had embarked on NRC and voter registration in their perceived stronghold. – ZANIS.