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The Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) has expressed concern over voter inducement incidents recorded during the pre-election period of the recent Petauke Central by-election, particularly involving cash handouts.
CCMG Programmes Officer, Peter Mwanagombe, cited the involvement of Eastern Province Provincial Minister and a Councilor, who accompanied the ruling UPND candidate in distributing funds through the social cash transfer programme.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Mwanagombe urged the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services to ensure that social cash transfers were handled solely by designated ministry officials.
“The involvement of the Provincial Minister, a Councilor, and a UPND candidate amounts to voter inducement, undermines the integrity of the electoral process by politicizing a commendable poverty alleviation initiative, and violates the Electoral Code of Conduct,” he stated.
Mwanagombe noted that while CCMG documented two incidents of political violence before and during election day, the overall political environment in Petauke Central Constituency remained mostly calm and peaceful.
He called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to enforce the Electoral Code of Conduct transparently, impartially, and swiftly, sanctioning any parties or individuals found in violation.
Mwanagombe further reminded political parties and stakeholders that social protection programs are designed to assist vulnerable citizens and should not be used as campaign tools.
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Additionally, he urged the ECZ to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities by erecting ramps at polling stations and called on the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) to enforce the Persons with Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012 to ensure inclusive electoral participation.
Despite these concerns, Mwanagombe commended election officials for adhering to procedures during the voting and counting process, acknowledging the dedication of CCMG monitors and voters in the February 6 by-election.
“CCMG thanks all its Long-Term Observers, Election Day Monitors, Data Clerks, Provincial Coordinators, and the Steering Committee for their commitment to promoting transparency and integrity in the electoral process,” he said.
Based on CCMG’s reports, Mwanagombe stated that the Petauke Central by-election generally followed standard procedures for polling and vote counting.
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