By Romio Takundwa
Zimbabwe’s electoral watchdogs, Election Resource Centre (ERC) and Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) have applauded the Zambian government for heeding the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) call not to suspend its democratic processes such as elections as Zambians head to the polling stations for harmonised elections.
Zambia is today conducting its tightly contested presidential elections between President Edgar Lungu and main opposition rival, Hakainde Hichilema as well as that of their parliamentary and local councils.
In a joint statement, the Election Resource Centre (ERC) and Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) said they are closely observing the elections and applaud the Zambians for honoring the constitution which calls for elections after every 5 years.
“The Election Resource Centre (ERC) and Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (WALPE) are observing the processes together with local and international observers. We would like to applaud the people of Zambia for respecting the sanctity of their Constitution which calls for general elections after every by-election which were conducted midway.
“We are further elated that they heed the call by the World Health Organisation (WHO) not to suspend democratic processes such as elections but ensure that such processes are conducted in adherence to protocols and regulations that prevent further spread of the virus,” read the statement.
The two organisations however bemoaned the build up to the election day which saw the suspension of campaigns for some candidates and political parties because of failure to adhere to covid-19 regulations as well as political violence.
The voter registration process is also reported to have been characterised by violence which saw the deployment of the army in Lusaka.
ERC and WALPE also raised concern over the low number of women contesting in the elections although they constitute the majority of registered voters.
Political analysts have deemed Zambia’s election critical for the sustainability of democracy in the country and the region with its neighbouring countries amongst them Zimbabwe are poised to conduct elections in the covid 19 pandemic period in the next few years.