OPPOSITION DPP BACKS ECZ ON BALLOT MARKING GUIDELINES
Opposition Democratic Progress Party (DPP) has backed the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) over its clarification that voters can use any single mark on the ballot paper, provided the mark clearly indicates the candidate they intend to vote for
Party Leader, Antonio Mwanza says the position taken by ECZ is in line with the law and has nothing to do with the introduction of new voting regulations.
Mr. Mwanza said the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 states that a ballot paper remains valid when a voter’s intention is clearly established, even when the voter does not use the ‘X’ mark.
He said it is important for the public to understand the provisions of the law and practice governing the marking of ballot papers.
Mr. Mwanza noted that the provision has been in existence since the 2016 elections and is not a new requirement introduced by the ECZ.
“Section 60 of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016 does not state that the X mark is the only legal required mark to be used on the ballot,” said Mr. Mwanza.
He has since urged members of the public to disregard claims that the ECZ has introduced new rules on how voters should mark ballot papers.
By Chimba Chilopa