Election malpractices worry ZNWLG

The Zambia National Women Lobby Group (ZNWLG) has appealed to electoral stakeholders in Mkushi to unite in efforts aimed at curbing electoral malpractice in the July 25 Mkushi North Constituency by-elections.

Central Province ZNWLG board member Rabecca  Museteka said this in a statement issued to ZANIS at the closure of a stakeholders meeting which was attended by political party representatives as well as civil society organizations at Mkushi council motel yesterday.

Mrs. Museteka said that the objective of ZNWLG was to ensure wide participation in efforts that are aimed at curbing electoral malpractices.

She said that to this effect, her organisation had commenced on a 10 week sensitisation program with the objective of raising awareness levels in various communities of Mkushi on electoral malpractices.

She emphasised that the ZNWLG had identified low awareness levels as being among the major gaps in the efforts to fight electoral malpractices saying that her organisation was aiming to address this challenge.

Mrs. Museteka urged all the participants at the stakeholders meeting to spread the knowledge on electoral malpractices adding that there was need to enlighten as many communities as possible.

She also mentioned that ZNWLG was conducting the activities as agents of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

She said that ignorance about the channels of reporting suspected cases of electoral malpractice was prevalent in rural communities such as Mkushi.

Mrs. Museteka urged participants to maximise the use of the ACC Toll Free Line adding that the commission had the mandate to investigate cases as well as guarantee protecting whistle blowers.

Six candidates are contesting the Mkushi north parliamentary seat with five being sponsored by political parties and one independent .

ZANIS / CM / CSB/ ENDS—————————–DRY.