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| Mr. Samuel Mulafulafu – Caritas Zambia speaks to Electoral Commission of Zambia staff at the distribution center in Kabwe |
AMECEA through the Justice Peace and Caritas Department and Caritas Zambia of the Zambian Episcopal Conference, has been in Zambia for election observer mission. The lead by Antony Mbandi is comprised of Dr. Emmanuel Aliba Kiiza (Uganda Episcopal Conference), Martin Chiphwanya (Episcopal Conference of Malawi), Cassian Lushinge (Tanzania Episcopal Conference), Stephen Kituku (Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops), Sr. Tabitha Nyawira (Programme Officer AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Department). It was initially intended to have representation from all conferences but this was not tenable due to funding needs.
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| ECZ staff waiting to move to polling stations |
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| Citizens casting their votes |
The observer work started with a briefing by the Zambian team and then the mission was exposed to the very elaborate parallel voting tabulation system that Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG), which ZEC is a member, has put together. The team then accompanied the ZEC staff to the field in different provinces for election observation on the election opening, voting closing and counting.
In the areas visited, large numbers of people were witnessed patiently in queues waiting voting. People were already at polling stations as early as 2.00 a.m. in some areas. For sure this is an inspiration in a region that has been marred with continuous electoral disagreements and voter apathy. The spirit of peace was being echoed continuously by the presidential contenders, with the current president repeating the peace message after casting his vote.
It was impressive to see that during the elections those who had disabilities, pregnant women and those with young children were assisted to vote quickly.
As the voter counting and results announcement begin, we ask that the region continues to pray for peace and unity in Zambia.
By Antony Mbandi AMECEA Justice Peace and Caritas Coordinator