ZAMBIA: Zambians Respond to their Civic Duty
On 11th August 2016, the Zambian people went to the polls to elect the President, Members of Parliament, Mayors and Councilors. In a twist not common with most elections, the Zambian people were also deciding on a referendum on a bill of rights. In total, five (5) ballot papers were being presented to each voter unlike in the past where three (3) ballots were being used.
Electoral Commission of Zambia staff at the distribution
center in Kabwe
AMECEA through the Justice Peace and Caritas Department and Caritas Zambia of the Zambian Episcopal Conference, has been in Zambia for election observer mission. The lead by Antony Mbandi is comprised of Dr. Emmanuel Aliba Kiiza (Uganda Episcopal Conference), Martin Chiphwanya (Episcopal Conference of Malawi), Cassian Lushinge (Tanzania Episcopal Conference), Stephen Kituku (Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops), Sr. Tabitha Nyawira (Programme Officer AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department). It was initially intended to have representation from all conferences but this was not tenable due to funding needs.
This is the first time that AMECEA is getting involved in Election Observer work and the occasion has not only been utilized to stand in solidarity with the Zambian Episcopal Conference, but also as a learning session for the other conferences on election monitoring work which has been extensively done by ZEC in collaboration with other Christian churches in Zambia. It is within the framework of
regional collaboration and integration of the work of the church that AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas department intends to build on this kind of missions to ensure that the voice of the church is heard in governance and electioneering in the region.
The observer work started with a briefing by the Zambian team and then the mission was exposed to the very elaborate parallel voting tabulation system that Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG), which ZEC is a member, has put together. The team then accompanied the ZEC staff to the field in different provinces for election observation on the election opening, voting closing and counting.
In the areas visited, large numbers of people were witnessed patiently in queues waiting voting. People were already at polling stations as early as 2.00 a.m. in some areas. For sure this is an inspiration in a region that has been marred with continuous electoral disagreements and voter apathy. The spirit of peace was being echoed continuously by the presidential contenders, with the current president repeating the peace message after casting his vote.
It was impressive to see that during the elections those who had disabilities, pregnant women and those with young children were assisted to vote quickly.
As the voter counting and results announcement begin, we ask that the region continues to pray for peace and unity in Zambia.
By Antony Mbandi AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Coordinator
