Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson Justice Irene Mambilima has maintained that the commission will not extend the voter verification exercise which came to an end June 12. This follows calls by political stakeholders for an extension to allow more registered voters to have their details verified before the final register is compiled.
Speaking in Lusaka today during the ECZ/political parties’ liaison Committee meeting, Justice Mambilima said the commission has little time left before the forthcoming tripartite elections and that extending the verification exercise will have a negative impact on the commission’s preparatory works.
Justice Mambilima says the commission remains committed to ensuring that the country holds transparent, free and fair elections. She says the ECZ has made headway in preparing for the coming general election and that all stakeholders will be kept updated on the progress regarding the elections.
Justice Mambilima has however said that in response to the concerns raised by stakeholders; the ECZ printed out hard copies of names of people, who registered as voters for every constituency and in all polling stations to ensure that no one is left out in the final register before certification which is expected by July, 31, 2011.
Full Article: Zambia: Electoral Commission of Zambia will not extend the voter verification exercise-Mambilima.