LUSAKA – The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has firmly refuted claims suggesting that it is strategically allocating newly demarcated constituencies to regions predominantly supportive of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). The electoral body's strong denial aims to quell rising anxieties and maintain public confidence in the integrity of the delimitation exercise, a fundamental process preceding the next general elections.
Concerns have been mounting from various political factions and civil society organizations, who argue that the constituency demarcation process, if not handled transparently, could be manipulated to favour the incumbent party. These allegations, though not explicitly detailed in the public domain, often stem from historical precedents and a general mistrust in electoral processes across the continent. The ECZ, through its spokesperson, emphasized that the exercise is guided strictly by constitutional provisions and established electoral laws, ensuring fairness and equitable representation across all provinces.
According to the ECZ, the delimitation process involves a comprehensive review of existing electoral boundaries, taking into account population shifts, geographical considerations, and administrative units. This meticulous undertaking is designed to ensure that each constituency has a relatively equal number of registered voters, thereby upholding the principle of 'one person, one vote'. The Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting the exercise with the utmost professionalism and without political bias, urging all stakeholders to rely on official communications rather than speculative reports.
The allegations, however, highlight the persistent challenges faced by electoral bodies in emerging democracies, where perceptions of impartiality are as crucial as actual impartiality. Opposition parties often view such exercises with suspicion, fearing that boundary changes could dilute their support bases or consolidate the ruling party's advantage. The ECZ's task now is not only to execute the delimitation process flawlessly but also to proactively engage with all political actors and the public to foster trust and dispel any notions of impropriety.
As Zambia gears up for the next electoral cycle, the credibility of institutions like the ECZ remains paramount. The delimitation of constituencies is a sensitive matter with far-reaching implications for democratic governance and political stability. The ECZ's robust defence underscores its awareness of the high stakes involved and its commitment to upholding the democratic tenets enshrined in the Zambian Constitution. Transparency and regular consultations with stakeholders will be key to ensuring that the outcome is widely accepted and does not become a source of further contention.
