FODEP bemoans CSOs failure to monitor pre election activities in Mpongwe

Forum for Democratic Process (FODEP) says failure by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to monitor pre-election period is a major concern in the provision of credible elections.

FODEP Copperbelt Province Secretary James Phiri said a situation where all political parties participating in the elections are over confident of scooping the polls poses a great threat in the post-election period.

Mr Phiri said it is imperative therefore that all stakeholders on the ground prepare psychologically in order to cushion the post-election impact.

The Copperbelt FODEP Secretary said this in Mpongwe today when he presented his organisation’s Mpongwe Bye Election pre-election report.

Mr Phiri stated that it is a well-known fact that no matter how best political parties’ campaign there can be only one winner and it was the job of CSOs to ensure political parties accept results.

He also called on cooperating partners to consider funding local Civil Society Organisations in future elections saying this was critical in peacefully building the country’s democracy.

Mr. Phiri said it is only when stakeholders appreciate and agree in confidence transparent processes of elections that peace and harmony can be maintained in the country.

And Mr. Phiri expressed happiness in the manner the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) organised the pre-election activities.

He further thanked the state for the reinforcement of security in the area saying this managed to curtail violent activities.

He said as a result of reinforcement of security in Mpongwe district political parties were able to conduct campaigns freely and without intimidation.

Voting in the Mpongwe by elections will commence at 06:00 hours tomorrow and is expected to end at 18:00 hours.

Five candidates are vying for the seat and these include the Patriotic Front’s (PF) Gabriel Namulambe, The Movement for Muitiparty Democracy (MMD) Miniver Mutesa, United Party for National Development (UPND) Rabson Chilufya, United National Independent Party (UNIP) Kenneth Kuveya, and National Restoration Party’s (NAREP) Reagan Ndhlovu.