ZAMBEZI, MWINILUNGA,MANSA  MENTIONED AMONG DISTRICTS WHERE CANDIDATES ARE COLLECTING VOTERS CARDS- TIZ

LUSAKA – Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has sounded the alarm over disturbing reports emanating from several districts across the country, indicating that political candidates are allegedly involved in the collection of voters' cards from citizens. Diamond TV, a prominent Zambian broadcaster, brought to light TI-Z's findings, specifically mentioning Zambezi, Mwinilunga, and Mansa as areas where these illicit activities are reportedly taking place. This development casts a shadow over the integrity of the electoral process and raises serious questions about potential voter manipulation as Zambia approaches its next electoral cycle. The practice of collecting voters' cards by political actors is explicitly illegal under Zambian electoral law. The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has consistently warned against such actions, clarifying that being in possession of another person's voter card or soliciting its details constitutes an offence under the Electoral Process (Registration of Voters) Regulations. Such acts are often precursors to various forms of electoral malpractice, including voter suppression, vote buying, and the disenfranchisement of eligible voters, thereby undermining the democratic principles of free and fair elections. TI-Z, a leading anti-corruption advocacy group, emphasised that these reports are not isolated incidents but represent a worrying trend that could compromise the fairness and credibility of future polls. The organisation urged the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to take decisive action, not only by investigating these allegations thoroughly but also by intensifying voter education campaigns to inform citizens about the illegality of surrendering their voter cards. Citizens must be empowered to resist such pressures and understand the importance of safeguarding their right to vote independently. The implications of such practices extend beyond individual instances of manipulation. They erode public trust in electoral