The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is this weekend holding a Public Forum at Kasenengwa Secondary Boarding School as part of the activities being held to prepare for the Kasenengwa Constituency By-Election that is slated for 6th September, 2018.
The by-election has been necessitated by the death of the late Member of Parliament, Victoria Kalima. On the same date the Commission will conduct Local Government polls in Kamalamba, Liyovu, Mabili, Nkenyauna and Shikombwe wards where vacancies have occurred as a result of resignation of councillors.
ECZ Public Relations Manager Margaret Chimanse in a statement says Public Dialogues have been identified as an effective method of engaging the general public.
Ms Chimanse says the Public Forums have so far provided a productive platform for voter education where the public can interact with the Commission and ask questions or provide feedback and advice on the operations of the Commission.
She says the Public Dialogues are a response to recommendations of the 2016-2021 ECZ Strategic Plan, the Communication Strategy and the Election Review report, which encourage engagement of the public as key stakeholders in the electoral process.
She adds that the expectation of the Commission through these engagements is to increase visibility of the Commission, increase awareness and effective participation of Stakeholders in the electoral process; enhance Stakeholder confidence in the electoral process; and improve internal processes to meet Stakeholder expectations.
Ms Chimanse has disclosed that the Commission will co-moderate the Forum with CARITAS Chipata, governance and community mobilization experts, who are collaborating with the Commission at this latest Public Forum to ensure success and effective participation by political parties and the people of Kasenengwa.