UNLESS there is an extension from 30 to 60 or 90 days in the mobile voter registration exercise, the nine million threshold by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) will not be met, says the Alliance for Good Governance.
The alliance’s Executive Director, Mr Joseph Chileshe said in Ndola they will engage the ECZ on the matter so as to allow as many people as possible register as voters.
Mr Chileshe said it will be unfortunate if people will not be able to get voter’s cards due to not having enough time to register.
“We as an organisation are on behalf of other Zambians asking the ECZ to consider extending the period for the mobile voter registration exercise. “Mind you, there are already complaints that the system is very slow although ECZ have also committed themselves to beef up manpower and equipment,” Mr. Chileshe said.
He noted that in case the ECZ does not agree to suggestions by various stakeholders on the need to extend the registration period, Zambians should make full use of the period given and ensure they register as voters.
He also challenged politicians to encourage their members to register so as to take part in the democratic dispensation by choosing their leaders. Mr. Chileshe has on the other hand commended the ECZ for putting up an effective sensitisation campaign to make sure that the general public is aware about the ongoing exercise.
He called for a spread of campaigns not only on television and radio but urged ECZ to use institutions such as ZANIS so that no one remains behind with information.
The mobile voter registration exercise commenced on November 9, 2020 and will end on December 12, 2020, while EZC is targeting to register nine million voters. – ZANIS.
ECZ urged to extend voter registration
