Chilufya Tayali
Zambian Voice executive director Chilufya Tayali has declared the just-ended general elections were transparent, free and fair according to the Zambian constitution and the international standards for holding a credible and democratic election.
And Tayali has praised the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for a “job well done” and adds that they prepared for the general elections and referendum very well.
He told journalists at a press briefing in Lusaka today that the ECZ were very efficient and transparent every step of the way and were also very patient and tolerant to all the views and concerns expressed by all stakeholders especially political parties.
“We are happy that ECZ were very transparent every step of the way and the involved all stakeholders,” Tayali said. “ECZ were also very patient and tolerant to all the views and concerns expressed by all stakeholders especially political parties.
“During the day of elections, ECZ conducted the elections very efficiently such that most polling stations opened and closed at the right time after serving the electorates that turned up to vote.
“The management of results was also very transparent because all political parties were allowed to verify the figures before they were finally announced.”
The outspoken governance activist however acknowledges that there were a few incidences that did not go according to the expectations of the ECZ and other stakeholders, however, but belives those incidences could not have changed the outcome of this election.
“It is normal to have a few hiccups in a huge process such as the just ended elections because it involves a lot of activities and individuals with different character and motives.
“Therefore, it is unreasonable for anyone to over emphasize the few negatives of the last election and discredit the all process.”
On the intention of the opposition to petition the outcome of the elections, Tayali says it is within the rights of any stakeholder to petition the results but is concerned with what he calls the provocative and inciting statements coming from the opposition, especially the United Party for National Development (UPND).
“We have noticed with dismay the some statements coming from the UPND leadership, he said. “While President Lungu has been preaching peace and unity, the UPND leadership is issuing provocative and inciting statements, stating that the Patriotic Front (PF) have stolen their vote and urging their members not to accept the results but rather take President Hakainde Hichilema and his running mate as the winners of the just ended 2016 elections.
“This is very unfortunate and we would like to urge the UPND to refrain from issuing such statement but rather take their petition to the Constitutional court in dignity without being their own judges.”