Electoral Commission of Zambia Vice-Chairperson, Mrs. Annette Nhekairo graces a Public Forum in Solwezi

Electoral Commission of Zambia Vice-Chairperson, officiated at a Public Forum, which was held at the Solwezi Council Chamber in Solwezi.

Speaking during the official opening of the, Public Forum, the Vice-Chairperson said that the Commission started conducting a series of Public Forums from March this year in various parts of the country in order to engage stakeholders in the electoral process and carry out dialogue on issues relating to the conduct of elections in Zambia.

Mrs. Nhekairo said Public Forums were identified as an effective method of engaging the general public.
“The Public Forums will provide an interactive platform for Voter Education and for members of the public to ask questions or provide feedback and recommendations on the operations of the Commission,” she said.

The public forum was held primarily to increase awareness of the Commission’s operations, enhance stakeholder confidence, visibility of the Commission and effective participation of stakeholders in the electoral process.

Mrs. Nhekairo emphasized that the Commission remained open to suggestions and clarifications that citizens may seek to enable them contribute effectively to the electoral process.

The Public Forum, which was broadcast live on Kabangabanga radio was held ahead of the Tumvwangnai Ward by-election, which is scheduled to be held on 20th November, 2018.

The Vice-Chairperson appealed to Solwezi residents and those from Tumvwnganai Ward in particular, to exercise maximum restraint to acts of violence and behaviors, which would lead to anarchy. She urged registered voters in Tumvwanganai Ward to ensure that they turned up to vote during the forth-coming Ward by-election on 20th November, 2018.