Defeated PF used State resources to campaign in the 2021 polls – EU
WITH the long hands that the PF is known for, the European Union Observer Mission has disclosed that despite losing power, the former ruling party under Edgar Lungu extensively deepened their hands on State resources to finance their flamboyant campaigns in the 2021 polls.
And the Mission observed that the former ruling party campaigns were largely exempted from restrictions but more restrictive on opposition political party opponents.
Meanwhile the EU mission has requested the Zambian government to put an end to the barriers that prevent some Zambians from being eligible to exercise their fundamental right to compete in elections.
Presenting a final report on Zambia’s August 12, 2021 general elections yesterday, EU chief mission observer Maria Arena said Zambia’s 2021 general elections took place against a background of deepening political polarisation.
She said selection application of the law disadvantaged opposition candidates from competing under equal conditions while favoring the Lungu led PF, which however was embarrassed at the final result stage.
“Throughout the campaign, there were widespread concerns about the potential escalation of violence. Despite the pandemic challenges, the electoral process was technically well-managed. Arbitrary and selection application of the law hampered opposition candidates from competing under equal conditions and restricted freedoms of assembly and movement,” Arena said.
“The ruling party extensively used State resources, and its campaign was largely exempted from restrictions. The traditional and online media campaign was highly monetised, with ruling party monopolising the prime time on State, private media. Disinformation and tribalism pervaded online debate to the detriment of voters.”
Despite the patently unfair electoral ground, the PF’s chombo cha Noah capsized, courtesy of the then opposition UPND.
The hapless boat is now wandering in the deep ocean waters and some of its pig-headed paddlers are now advertising the rebranding agenda, whatever rebranding means, in this case.
But Arena has further urged the Zambian government to remove the barriers such as education requirements which deter participation, so that the electorate, themselves, choose whether they want a professor for MP or the hardworking bricklayer next door.
She also called on making nomination fees refundable if an election was cancelled due to either death or withdrawal of a candidate unlike the current system which was costly and therefore restricted competition for elected positions to a few rich Zambians who can afford to pay nomination fees repeatedly.
And on the infamous Public Order Act, the EU repeated its cane for the law which was set up by their former member, Britain, to be repealed so that Zambia adheres to regional and international standards.
The Western Bloc also noted with dismay the bias of the media in coverage of the 12 August General Elections by the ‘wealthy’ ruling party thereby limiting information on candidates.
Kalemba February 09, 2022