Kalaba expresses concerns over electoral commission’s independence

Kalaba expresses concerns over electoral commission’s independence

OPPOSITION leader Harry Kalaba has raised red flags over the creation of an Elections Advisory Body in Zambia, expressing concerns about the potential ramifications for the independence and integrity of the country’s Electoral Commission.

Kalaba who is Citizen’s First president questioned the legal basis for establishing the advisory body and its implications for the electoral process.

The opposition leader expressed concern over the development during a press briefing in Lusaka today.

Kalaba’s unease stems from the fact that the Electoral Commission of Zambia is constitutionally mandated to oversee all national elections.

The introduction of an external advisory body to supervise the commission has raised questions about its autonomy and potential influence by external entities.

“This move undermines the constitutionally established Electoral Commission’s independence,” Kalaba emphasized during the press briefing. “The law is explicit and unambiguous that the commission should act with dignity, professionalism, propriety, integrity, and non-partisanship. The creation of an advisory body with unclear origins challenges the commission’s ability to fulfill its mandate impartially.”

The opposition leader has called on the government to provide clarification on several key aspects of the advisory body, including the legal framework, the role it will play in electoral processes, the identification and nomination of its members, and the absence of consultations with political parties and key stakeholders.

Kalaba has since written to the Electoral Commission of Zambia underlining the importance of maintaining the commission’s impartiality and independence.

He warned that any compromise of the commission’s autonomy could lay the groundwork for contested elections in 2026.

“We demand that this action be rescinded forthwith, and if no immediate remedy is taken, we will have no choice but to call for a nationwide protest action to compel the Commission to follow the law by which it is established,” Kalaba declared.

By Moses Makwaya

Kalemba