By RABECCA CHIPANTA and HELLEN TEMBO –
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has dispelled fears of vote rigging in the August general elections, and pledged to uphold high levels of transparency as has been the case in past elections.

. AKUFUNA

ECZ public relations manager Cris Akufuna said the Commission had demonstrated its commitment to transparency and accountability in the election process through consultative processes with all stakeholders.
Mr Akufuna said in an interview yesterday that the ECZ had the mandate of presenting to the people of Zambia, credible elections.
He assured the public not to worry or panic about the elections being rigged, adding that the electoral regulator had demonstrated what it was capable of doing in times of elections.
“The same way we have committed ourselves in the past is the same way we are committed now as we go forward.
“We will be with stakeholders in various stages of the electoral process and if along the way stakeholders or members of the public come across efforts or conspiracies to manipulate or doctor results, they have the right to blow the whistle,” he said.
He urged people talking about election rigging to present facts and background information on where and when such took place.
Mr Akufuna said the commission had so far not been mentioned in the recent accusations in the media.
“People that give these comments need background of what they are talking about. If people say there was rigging, they will need to point at examples and who was doing it, who was involved, when and where,” he said.
Mr Akufuna said the ECZ had made tremendous improvement in the electoral process since 2006, and that the commitments it made in terms of consultations with stakeholders placed it above all the allegations.
“Elections are a process and ECZ is a mere facilitator. There are a lot of players in the electoral process and if there are malpractices taking place outside the commissions compass in the field, that is a matter that the stakeholders themselves or those that have the evidence have the right to bring to the attention of the public,” he said.
He said the Commission has started the process of preparing for the general elections and would soon be meeting with stakeholders to discuss plans and the programme.
Meanwhile, the ECZ has instituted investigations into individuals reported to be in possession of two voter registration cards.
This followed allegations by members of the public that some people were obtaining more than one voter registration card.
Mr Akufuna said those who would be found wanting would be prosecuted as the act was against the laws of Zambia.