CSALR Calls for Calm as announcement of results continue

The Civil Society Alliance on Legal Reforms (CSALR) has called on political party leaders, their supporters and all Zambians to remain calm and respect the electoral process as the counting and announcement of results continue. CSALR Chairperson Caroline Katotobwe said the…

The Civil Society Alliance on Legal Reforms (CSALR) has called on political party leaders, their supporters and all Zambians to remain calm and respect the electoral process as the counting and announcement of results continue.

CSALR Chairperson Caroline Katotobwe said the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) remains the only body mandated to announce official election results and urged citizens to exercise patience and await the official announcements.

In a statement issued to the media today, Dr Katotobwe commended Zambians for conducting peaceful elections, saying the calm and order displayed at polling stations nationwide demonstrated the maturity of the country’s democracy.

She said CSALR remains confident in the voice of every Zambian who turned out to vote.

Dr Katotobwe, however, condemned reported acts of violence and what she described as manufactured actions aimed at undermining the credibility of the polls.

She said such actions undermine the will of the people and have no place in the democratic process.

Dr Katotobwe appealed to political party leaders to urge their supporters to remain calm, peaceful and respectful of authorities and electoral processes throughout the vote-counting period.

She said peace and stability should remain the country’s priority above all else

Dr Katotobwe also called on all stakeholders to respect the electoral process and the ECZ, while urging Zambians to wait for the official declaration of results