TI-Z RAISES CONCERN OVER ALLEGED COLLECTION OF VOTER CARD AND NRC DETAILS BY UPND MEMBERS. By Michael Himusa Jnr Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has expressed concern over reports alleging that members of the United Party for National Development (UPND) have been collecting voters’ card numbers and National Registration Card (NRC) details from members of the […]

TI-Z RAISES CONCERN OVER ALLEGED COLLECTION OF VOTER CARD AND NRC DETAILS BY UPND MEMBERS.

By Michael Himusa Jnr

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has expressed concern over reports alleging that members of the United Party for National Development (UPND) have been collecting voters’ card numbers and National Registration Card (NRC) details from members of the public in various parts of the country.

TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe says the organization has received reports from Luangeni District in Eastern Province, Zambezi and Mwinilunga districts in North-Western Province, Mansa District in Luapula Province, Monze District in Southern Province, Kasama District in Northern Province, and other areas.

Mr. Nyambe says while TI-Z is still monitoring and verifying the reports, the alleged practice has already sparked concern among citizens over the purpose for which the information is being collected.

He notes that the secrecy of the ballot is a fundamental principle of democratic elections and warns that any practice creating the perception that a person’s vote can be tracked, monitored, or linked to personal information collected by political actors has the potential to erode public confidence in the electoral process.

Mr. Nyambe further says the collection of personal information during campaigns raises important concerns about privacy, informed consent, and the protection of citizens’ personal data.

He has urged all political parties to avoid practices that may intimidate voters or create uncertainty about the confidentiality of their vote, and to respect every citizen’s right to vote freely and independently.