ECZ Wins Corporate Category At The Youth Forum …as Government Commits To An Enabling Environment For Youths

Electoral Commission of Zambia emerged winners of the Best Interpretation of the theme at the Youth Forum and Young Entrepreneurs and Innovation Exhibition in the corporate category at the Government Complex in Lusaka, Zambia. The theme of the Youth Conference was “Leveraging Opportunities for Youth through Information Communication Technologies (ICTs).”

On exhibition at the Commission stand was the Commission website www.elections.org.zm and social media platforms which are used as outreach tools to Zambians living at home and in the diaspora. Showcased at the stand were the Commission’s Facebook page, YouTube and Twitter accounts @ZambiaElections which were displayed on the Pop Ups and voter education materials.
On display were two Satellite Phones which are used for communication during the Polls because not all areas in Zambia are connected to the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) network. The Satellite phone connects orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial Cell network. The GSM network does not cover the whole Zambia. The satellite phones solves the problem of receiving coverage lost anywhere in the World.
On display were two Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) which provide cost effective connectivity in remote locations where cellular and wireless data networks do not currently exist. The Commission uses the BGAN in results transmission.

Two Registration Kits were also displayed as tools used in the delimitation, voter registration, nomination, accreditation and during polls exercises. The registration kit is also used in the delimitation of wards and constituencies where the Commission uses GIS and GPRS.
The Registration Kit is also used for voter registration where the voters’ details are captured. The Commission then uses biometrics to scan voters thumb prints and the iris. This is to prevent voters from voting twice.

The Registration kit is also used during Nomination as it has a Candidate Management System. The Registration Kit is also used for accreditation process as it has the Accreditation Management System.

Meanwhile, the Government reaffirmed its commitment towards creating an enabling environment that allows youth to contribute to the development of the nation.

Vice President Inonge Wina officiating at the event read a speech on behalf of President Edgar Lungu that said that government will invest in creating opportunities and a supportive environment for innovations and youth entrepreneurship.

President Lungu urged youths to ensure that all development plans encompass the new and innovative employment opportunities. He said youths should thrive at revitalizing local economies and contribute to their prosperity.

President Lungu has since challenged the young people to reflect on the theme and participate actively in solving challenges they are facing such as unemployment.