By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) says efforts to enhance integrity, transparency and accountability for the Zambian electoral process must continue after the successful holding of the 2021 August polls.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting with political parties and civic society organisations on the Campaign Venue Management System, UNDP Resident Representative Lionel Laurens said this requires all stakeholders to be in continuous dialogue and make positive contributions towards good governance, democracy and sustainable development.
UNDP has since 2020 been collaborating and supporting the Zambia Police Service in the design and roll out of the Campaign Venue Management System, a digital platform which political parties and candidates can access during election campaigns to notify the Zambia Police Service of their intention to hold public rallies or any other form of public meetings.
Mr Laurens also commended the Police for embarking on the initiative that will enhance their transparency, efficacy and accountability in the public order management through the introduction of the system.
And Zambia Police Service Deputy Inspector General – Operations Milner Muyambango said electoral stakeholders will be able to notify the Police Service of their intentions to hold public gatherings.
He said this will be done in line with the provisions of the public order act and that the system will be available to all political parties and candidates at national, provincial, district, constituency and ward levels.
