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The Advocates for Democratic Governance Foundation (ADEG) has condemned the alleged electoral malpractices reported during the Kawambwa parliamentary by-elections held on December 20, 2024.
Although the UPND candidate, Nasson Musonda, emerged victorious, ADEG monitors claim that they recorded several incidents that undermined the integrity of the electoral process.
Gideon Musonda, Executive Director of ADEG, stated in a press release on Sunday that the organization deployed Field and Result Centre Monitors to observe the elections.
Musonda alleged that these monitors witnessed numerous violations of the electoral code of conduct, including violence, intimidation, harassment, character assassination, and provocation by both ruling and opposition party members.
ADEG also reported that voters in Kamfukeshi area, Lushiba ward, were allegedly offered money as low as K20 as well as soap, salt, and fertilizer, in exchange for their votes.
“This practice undermines the democratic process and disenfranchises citizens,” Musonda emphasized.
He further alleged that government institutions were involved in distributing relief food during the election period, raising concerns about possible vote manipulation.
Musonda also revealed that several vehicles, including a white Landcruiser (ADF 1441), two Toyota Hilux trucks, and buses, were used to ferry voters to and from polling stations in Chungu Village (Kala ward) and Lushiba Ward.
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He stated that these actions were reported to Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) officials.
In a separate incident, six National Congress Party supporters in Lushiba ward were allegedly attacked by suspected UPND cadres in two Toyota Hilux vehicles and a bus.
The attack occurred after the supporters attempted to prevent the transportation of voters to polling stations. The incident was reported to the Kawambwa Police Station, and the victims sought medical attention at Kawambwa Health Centre.
Musonda called on the ECZ and Zambia Police to conduct a thorough post-election investigation into these allegations and take swift action to prevent future electoral malpractices.
“For political parties dissatisfied with the election conduct and results, they are encouraged to petition the outcome in court and conduct an audit to clarify allegations of manipulation,” Musonda suggested.
He urged all stakeholders, including the ECZ, political parties, and civil society organizations, to collaborate in promoting free, fair, and credible elections in Zambia, ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect for the will of the people.
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