TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE IN ECZ, COMMISSIONERS AT THE COMMISSION MUST NOT BE APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT -MWANZA Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President, Antonio Mwanza has proposed reforms to the manner in which Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) commissioners are appointed. Mr. Mwanza says ECZ commissioners should instead be appointed by an independent body to enhance […]

TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE IN ECZ, COMMISSIONERS AT THE COMMISSION MUST NOT BE APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT -MWANZA

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President, Antonio Mwanza has proposed reforms to the manner in which Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) commissioners are appointed.

Mr. Mwanza says ECZ commissioners should instead be appointed by an independent body to enhance public confidence and restore credibility in the electoral process.

Speaking when he featured on RCV News’ Chatback programme in Lusaka today, Mr. Mwanza said the commission has faced concerns over its credibility and that there is need to address the appointment process as part of efforts to restore public trust in the institution.

“It’s high time we start to look at how ECZ officials are appointed as opposed to Presidential term limits,” said Mr. Mwanza.

Mr. Mwanza argued that the President should be removed from the process of appointing ECZ commissioners because the President is also a candidate in elections overseen by the same Commissioners he appoints.

He said allowing an independent body to select commissioners from a wider pool of qualified candidates would help strengthen the Commission’s independence and enhance confidence in electoral outcomes.

He said strengthening the appointment process would be an important step towards restoring public confidence in Zambia’s electoral system.

Angel Kasabo