The role of the Committee is to prevent and manage minor electoral conflicts with a view to achieving peaceful elections and mutual resolutions through mediation of conflicts that may arise in the electoral process.
The District Conflict Management Committee (DCMC) attends to conflicts and disputes arising from within a district. The total number of DCMC members does not exceed twelve (12) in a town council and fifteen (15) in a municipal and city council and is composed of the following members;
- One representative from each registered Political Party if they have participated in the previous general election or have presence of at least five provinces;
- Representatives of civil society organizations as determined by the Commission; and
- Representatives of such Government ministries and institutions as determined by the Commission.
The Chairperson is appointed by the Commission and the Vice Chairperson is elected by members from amongst themselves.
Mandate
The mandate of the Committee is to attend to diverse conflicts that may arise during the electoral process such as:
- Destruction of campaign posters;
- Disruption of political party/candidate rallies; and
- Name calling.
The Committee may recommend for the disqualification of candidates or political parties.
Powers
The Committee has powers to advise the erring party, report crimes such as assault and corruption charges to the Zambia Police and Anti-Corruption Commission respectively and other law enforcement agencies for further action. The Committee is also empowered to make recommendations for the revocation of an appointment of an electoral officer or the accreditation of any person or institution.
Notwithstanding these powers, the Committee has limitations and cannot therefore:
- Declare or announce the results;
- Operate as monitor/observers at polling stations;
- Re-count or order the recount of votes;
- Usurp the roles of election officers during elections; and/or
- Fine or imprison a person.
The Commission conducts training for members of the Conflict Management Committees to build their capacity and remind them of their role, powers and limitations during an election. The training outlines the procedure and mechanisms of managing conflicts as well as highlighting the electoral laws that the Committee should rely upon for its operations.
Procedure for Filing a Complaint
A voter, candidate or political party in a district, constituency or ward where a breach of the Electoral Code has been committed during an election, can make a complaint to the Committee in writing. Once a complaint has been received by the Committee Secretariat, members of the Committee will then be informed and a meeting convened to attend to the conflict.
Resolving Electoral Disputes
The Conflict Management Committees resolve electoral disputes amicably. The Committees use the method of mediation to resolve disputes. Mediation is a cooperative way of allowing parties to a conflict find solutions which are satisfactory to all.