ICGLR OBSERVES SUSPENSION OF RESULTS AFFECTS VOTER CONFIDENCE
The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region -ICGLR- has observed that the suspension of election result announcement which had been effected by the Electoral Commission of Zambia -ECZ- yesterday can affect credibility and confidence of voters.
ICGLR Election Observer Mission Head Mokgweetsi Masisi says any interruption in counting may undermine voters’ right to have their votes counted.
Masisi who is also former Botswana President says his mission after realizing that tensions were rising owing to the suspension, convened as heads of Mission and immediately engaged in shuttle diplomacy.
He says the missions engaged the main opposition and the ruling party to deescalate, to refrain from announcement of any results, to stop any inflammatory language and reassure them that they will continue respecting the rule of law.
Masisi says both parties adhered to the call and further agreed to issue public statements immediately to communicate such pledges and report on the outcome of their meeting with them.
He says the mission’s intention to engage other participants in the elections.
Masisi has since revealed that the mission has revised departure schedules to take effect after the full conclusion of the important elections.
The former Botswana President has further underscored that a credible election is not solely the technical act of counting ballots but the public assurance that every lawful vote will be respected and that procedures are followed transparently.
Meanwhile the Electoral Commissions Forum of the Southern African Development Community -ECF-SADC- has called on all electoral stakeholders to exercise restraint and address all grievances through the legally established mechanisms as the ECZ continues to announce the election results.
Head of Mission Justice Annabel MTALIMANJA has also called on the ECZ to provide regular and detailed updates to the public during this period.
Mtalimanja has since reassured by the presence of regional actors in the country, to contribute to confidence building.
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