interim statement
EISA Regional Observer Mission to the Zambia 2006 Tripartite Elections 28 September 2006 (continued)

2.5 The Electoral Code of Conduct

The mission noted that an electoral code of conduct applying to all the major electoral stakeholders was agreed upon after much consultation with all the players. This move was welcomed by members of the mission. However it was also noted that it was not clear who was to enforce the code. Complainants were constantly forced to oscillate between the ECZ, the Zambia Police Service and the Anti Corruption Commission which created frustration and may have led to non-reporting of electoral offences. Clearer guidelines should be provided for the enforcement of the Code of Conduct.

2.6 Political Parties and Polling Agents

In order to operate as legally recognised entities, political parties are required to be registered. Thirteen political parties participated in the election, but only a few made an impact. A number of political parties entered into formal and informal election coalitions. These were somewhat effective but were compromised by lack of agreement on who would represent the coalition. This resulted in a delay in identification of parliamentary and presidential candidates which in turn delayed the start of the campaigning for those parties. In addition it transpired later on in the process that some of the coalition members had filed nomination files under the name of their mother parties showing that cohesion was poor. All in all, there were 5 presidential candidates and 709 candidates for the national assembly, 4095 candidates registered for the local government elections.

2.7 The Campaign Process

The Mission noted the fervour, enthusiasm and passion that the election had triggered among various political actors and the public at large. Of note was the spirited political campaign by several Presidential Candidates and their supporters. Campaigning took the forms of posters, advertisements on big billboards, political rallies, television appearances by candidates and debates involving representatives of various candidates, and other types of media outreach through newspapers and radio stations. The mission noted with regret that presidential campaign issues took precedence over issues pertaining to National Assembly and Local Government polls. This had the potential to limit the ability of voters to make an informed choice as far as the last two elections are concerned. Allegations were made of an uneven playing field with allegations that the ruling party received preference for the allocation of stadiums for rallies and also in receiving police permission to hold rallies as required by the Public Order Act. The EISA Mission was not in a position to verify the validity of these allegations.

2.8 Monitors and Observers

PEMMO emphasises the importance of election monitoring and observation. The Mission notes that various observer missions witnessed the Zambia elections with a view to enhance the transparency, credibility and integrity of the process. There were about 500 international observers and around 13 000 domestic monitors. Whilst accreditation of international observers proceeded well, this was not the case with local monitors. In fact not all the monitors were accredited in time to observe the poll. This has been attributed to the fact that accreditation was centralised in Lusaka and domestic groups had to make arrangements to transport the accreditation cards to the provinces.