The Electoral Commission of Zambia has denied allegations that it created an Elections Advisory Body as alleged by Citizens First Party President, Harry Kalaba.
Zambia Monitor reported that Kalaba had written a letter of demand dating October 10, 2023 wanting to know the role of the Election Advisory Body which he described as an illegal body, as it was not backed by the Constitution.
In a letter dated October 11, 2023 to Kalaba, ECZ acting Chief Electoral Officer Dylan Kasonde explained that the named body was a unit under the Judiciary and not a structure of the Commission.
Kasonde said the Commission was aware of the Advisory Body and that it had no mandate to conduct elections.
“You should engage the Judiciary to get more information on the mandate of this advisory body,” he said.
Kasonde said the establishment of the Commission and mandate are clearly provided for under Article 229 of the Constitution and attendant subsidiary legislation.
He said the Commission did not have an Elections Advisory Body under the structure and Zambians should not hesitate to contact the Commission for clarity on the electoral process.
“Do not hesitate to contact the Commission for clarity on the electoral process and supporting legal framework when in doubt,” Kasonde said.
On the position of Chief Electoral Officer, Kasonde said the recruitment process was underway.
“The public will be notified once the process is concluded. Currently, there is an acting Chief Electoral Officer to ensure that all electoral processes and activities are effectively managed,” he said.
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