By SANFROSSA MANYINDA
THE European Union (EU)’s commitment to meet political parties and deployment of 32 observers across the country is a step in the right direction, political activist Obert Namalongo has said.
Mr Namalono has since called on all political party leaders to be available to meet the observers.
The EU has deployed the 32 long-term observers to carry out a comprehensive observation of the electoral process across all 10 provinces.
Speaking during the flagging off of the observers last week, EU deputy chief observer Dimitra Ioannou said the observers would meet with political parties, electoral officers among others to collect necessary information.
Mr Namalomo said in Kitwe that all stakeholders should collaborate with the EU observers in the monitoring of the general elections.
“As an activist, I hope and trust the comprehensive observation of the electoral process by the EU and others woud add value to the electoral system of the country.
“I also urge the commission to give updates regularly throughout the process as opposed to giving its findings on the last day,” he said.
Mr Namalongo said it was also encouraging that the observers would focus on campaign activities, election preparations and the arrangements for the polling day.
He was hopeful that the observers would carry a comprehensive observation of the entire electoral process.
Mr Namalongo said the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) should be anchored by transparency as it was one of its core values.
He advised that the ECZ not restrict the observation mission with anything while executing their duties.
