*QUALIFICATIONS TO BE APPOINTED AS ECZ COMMISSIONER*
The Electoral Commission is established by Article 229 of the Constitution of Zambia.
Section 5 of the Electoral Commission of Zambia Act No 25 as amended by Act No 5 of 2019 prescribes the number of Commissioners to be appointed to the Commisaion by the sitting President.
It prescribes five (5) full-time members consisting of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and three (3) other members who are subjected to ratification by the National Assembly after being appointed.
*The qualifications to be the Commissioner at the ECZ include and limited to one must*
1) have a school certificate (Grade 12) or its equipment;
2) hold a degree or its equipment qualification, which is accredited or recognised and validated by the Zambia Qualification Authority;
3) does not hold political office;
4) has proven relevant knowledge and experience in election administration and management, finance, govenance, public administration, or law.
The ECZ COMMISSIONER holds office for 7 years with possibilities of re-appointment for another final 7 year term.
*Armed with the above data from the law, you can now assess the people who will be appointed and sit on the Commission whether they meet the above cited qualifications*
We must avoid judging people based our own perceptions against the legal provisions and demands.
It must be ruled by the rule of law and not the rule of men and women and their emotions, perceptions or demands which may be politically skewed.
I submit
McDonald Chipenzi