Zambia Electoral Reform Technical Committee Chairperson Nalukui Milapo has called on Copperbelt residents to make submissions on the amendment of the Zambia electoral laws and processes.
Dr Milapo said that the committee is sitting in Ndola, to get all the submissions from Copperbelt residents, to contribute to the amendments of the electoral laws that will make the voting process effective, fair, and reflective, in the next elections.
Speaking during the official opening of the electoral reform technical committee public sitting in Ndola, Dr Milapo said the consultations will culminate into a final sitting in Lusaka where the commission will consider input gathered from across the country.
She emphasized that the process is inclusive for those unable to attend the sittings in person as the commission is receiving submissions through various channels which include emails or through the Council Secretary.
ZANIS reports that Dr. Milapo said that there is a need for the public to take note that as the commission embarks on the discussions, electoral reforms were not just about addressing past challenges but also focusing on the future.
Copperbelt Province Electoral Officer Maleod Nyirenda said that the Electoral Reform Technical Committee which was established by the Electoral Commission of Zambia was tasked to review the electoral loss, processes and policies in order to ensure that they become the highest standards of transparency, efficiency and fairness.
Mr Nyirenda said that elections were the foundations of democracy and therefore it is important to reflect on the views of the people.
Ndola resident David Simutowe has submitted that the Electoral Commission should consider delimiting some constituencies suggesting Ndola Central as one of the largest which needs to be delimited.
Mr Simutowe added that some wards are under development citing Dag Hammarskjold under Ndola Central constituency as one of the wards that can be fully developed once formed as a constituency.
He gave an example of Shangombo which was under Senanga but after it was divided has seen a lot of improved infrastructure.