- October 20, 2018
- Posted by: Admin
- Category: News Stories
Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Commissioner Mr. Ali Simwinga has encouraged youths in Lupososhi District to participate in upcoming 20th November, 2018 Polls for Office of Council Chairperson in the District. Commissioner Simwinga said that the Commission realises the enthusiasm displayed by the youth in registering to vote and in acquiring information about the electoral process.
Commissioner Simwinga was speaking at the ECZ Youth Conference which was held in Luwingu District for about 120 Lupososhi District youths from political parties, Civil Society Organisations and Faith based Organisations on 20th October, 2018.
“The Commission would like to raise a pool of knowledgeable and enthusiastic young people who can speak to other young people about the operations of the Commission and the electoral process in general” said Mr. Simwinga who added that voting was a privilege youths enjoyed and one of the ways in which young people can contribute to decision making in Zambia.
Mr Simwinga further said that the youth in Zambia constitute approximately 60% of the total population and in recent years the youth have been involved in wrong vices especially during by-elections which have recently been characterised by violence mostly perpetrated by political parties.
And Acting District Electoral Officer Mr. David Mbulo speaking at the same event said that Youth Conferences are meetings convened by the ECZ to engage youths as part of its efforts to scale up youth sensitisation in areas where by-elections are being held.
Mr. Mbulo said that the objectives of the youth conferences are to facilitate a platform where young cadres from different political parties can meet and dialogue
“We want to create an opportunity for young people to ask questions and know more about the electoral process and to instill confidence among young people about the benefits of their participation in the electoral process and make them realise that they are an important stakeholder in the political processes of the country said Mr. Mbao.
Mr. Mbulo added that Youth Conferences were meant to educate the youth on the electoral process and educate the youth on the consequences of violence and the need to avoid it at all costs.
The Commission also conducted a Youth Conferences in Mangango ahead of the Mangango Parliamentary Constituency by-election.
20th November Polls will include the election for Council Chairperson in Lupososhi District and Parliamentary by-election in Mangango Constituency, Kaoma District.
On the same date the Commission will also conduct Five (5) Local Government by-elections in Chisanga Ward of Ngabwe District, Lusinde Ward of Petauke District, Nkhanka Ward in Chama District, Tumvwanganai Ward of Solwezi District and Sipuma Ward of Shang’ombo District.