The Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) says the recent pronouncement by the Electoral Commission of Zambia to restrict the number of international election observers is against transparency.
CLRI Executive Director Paul Hakoola said ECZ should be more consultative when making such important decisions as opposed to making announcements without engaging stakeholders.
Mr Hakoola said the statement by the electoral body undermines the spirit of transparency which is one of the co-values of ECZ.
“ECZ has been less consultative and the institute has also noted the lapses by commission’s media department to engage stakeholders through robust media programs aimed at explaining the electoral processes and conduct civic education,” which he says is a situation that has caused anxiety among members of the public.
Mr Hakoola wonders why ECZ is raising the issue of election observers entering the country when borders have remained open even under the current face of the Covid 19 pandemic.
The statement by ECZ undermines the spirit of transparency and accountability in the electoral process,” he said.
ECZ on Monday said the international observers may need to use their local staff to monitor the 2021 elections owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
