TI-Z RAISES CONCERN OVER CONCEALED NUMBER PLATES ON UPND CAMPAIGN VEHICLES.
By Michael Himusa Jnr
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has expressed concern over what it describes as an increasing number of United Party for National Development (UPND) campaign vehicles allegedly operating with concealed, covered or obscured registration number plates during campaign activities across the country.
TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe says while political parties have the right to campaign freely, concealing vehicle registration plates raises serious concerns about transparency and accountability.
Mr. Nyambe says vehicle registration numbers are essential in enabling members of the public and law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles involved in road traffic offences, electoral offences, political violence or any other incidents requiring investigation.
He further says concealed registration plates make it difficult for citizens and oversight institutions to establish whether campaign vehicles are privately owned or belong to the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ).
Mr. Nyambe notes that during election periods, there is heightened public interest in ensuring that public resources are not used for partisan political campaigns.
He states that the inability to identify campaign vehicles fuels speculation and public suspicion, even where there is no evidence of misuse of state resources.
Mr. Nyambe has emphasized that maintaining a clear distinction between state resources and political party resources is a fundamental principle of democratic elections and said public confidence is strengthened when political parties conduct their campaigns in a transparent and accountable manner.
He has since called on the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and the Zambia Police Service to take immediate action against the practice and ensure those responsible are held accountable.à
Mr. Maurice Nyambe, Executive Director of TI-Z, can you please update the nation on your verification on earlier reports of voter’s cards buying? There were no facts or evidence but reports of voters cards being bought in many places and provinces.
This is a dead issue. The president stated that members should desist or face the law. If there any person breaking the law. Why not apply the law. No motor vehicle is allowed on the road without proper registration.
The law is not selective those failing to apply it are.