MISA Zambia Chairperson Hellen Mwale urges ECZ to let diaspora citizens to vote

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter has called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to consider allowing Zambians living in the Diaspora to vote.

The call has been made after the ruling by the constitutional court that allowed that prisoners can participate in elections.

Media Institute of Southern Africa Zambia Chapter advises ECZ on prisoner and diaspora voting rights Tue 3 March 2020

Speaking at a press briefing Tuesday morning, MISA Zambia chapter chairperson Helen Mwale noted the progress and positive development that has been made by the ECZ in regards to the right to vote.

“It must be noted that Article 46 of the Zambian Constitution allows a citizen who has attained the age of eighteen years to register as a voter and vote in an election by secret ballot and therefore prisoners should not be de-enfranchised by their status” she said.

Media Institute of Southern Africa Zambia Chapter advises ECZ on prisoner and diaspora voting rights Tue 3 March 2020

Ms Mwale noted that it is important for every Zambian regardless of the social status to vote and that includes Zambians in the Diaspora whose participation in the country governance process by way of voting is equally important.

Meanwhile, Ms Mwale has commended members of parliament who rose above partisan politics in approving a motion to combat hate speech, tribalism and violence and has since called for a law that will criminalize such vices as they have no space in a democracy as they weaken and destroys society.

“Criminalise acts of violence, tribalism and hate speech amongst political parties and the law must clearly state that any party that engages in such shall be automatically disqualify from contesting an election and must not be a decision from any institution” Ms Mwale recommended.

#Smart Eagles 2020