Governance expert urges stakeholders to remain calm

Governance expert, Wesley Miyanda, has urged political players and members of the public to remain calm during the announcement of the Presidential results. Mr Miyanda says elections are not meant to divide the nation but foster unity among its citizens. Mr Miyanda condemned…

Governance expert, Wesley Miyanda, has urged political players and members of the public to remain calm during the announcement of the Presidential results.

Mr Miyanda says elections are not meant to divide the nation but foster unity among its citizens.

Mr Miyanda condemned the act of candidates declaring themselves winners before the official results are announced adding that declarations are made by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) officials at local government, mayoral, parliamentary and presidential levels.

He said ECZ remains the legally mandated institution to conduct elections and announce verified results, adding that the Commission should be protected while remaining accountable to all stakeholders.

“Concerns over possible manipulation can only be substantiated if stakeholders compare results recorded and signed by polling agents at polling stations with figures eventually announced by ECZ”, Mr Miyanda explained.

Mr Miyanda has also called for more transparency in the announcement of results, particularly regarding delays, saying uncertainty can fuel suspicion and unnecessary speculation among citizens and political players.

He has since urged ECZ and all stakeholders to engage and address concerns using verified information rather than allegations adding that transparency and accountability are essential to protecting Zambia’s peace and ensuring confidence in the final election outcome.