ECZ bans use of phones inside polling stations

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says aspiring candidates in the August 11th elections will be required to present a letter from the Examinations Council of Zambia accompanying the verified copy of the Grade 12 Certificate or its equivalent.

ECZ Public Relations Manager Crispin Akufuna in a statement says the ECZ has clarified with the Examinations Council of Zambia on the need for aspiring candidates to obtain a letter in support of the verified copy of the Grade 12 certificate or equivalent.
Mr. Akufuna explains that the letter is being issued as part of the verification to safeguard agAkufunaainst forged certificates and to ensure that Returning officers are presented with genuine equivalent of the Grade 12 certificate.

He has since advised aspiring candidates to ensure they obtain the supporting letter from the Examinations Council of Zambia, which should be presented together with the nomination papers and verified certificates on nomination day.
Meanwhile the Commission banned the use of cell phones inside polling stations.

Mr Akufuna says this is to avoid disturbances during voting and the counting process.
He explains that in previous elections, the Commission experienced some voters taking photographs of their marked ballot papers and showing how they voted on social media.
Mr Akufuna says the Commission feels this compromises the secrecy of the vote and can be considered as a form of campaigning which is prohibited on poll day.

QFM