The e Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has raised alarm over the high number of rejected ballots recorded in the recently concluded Mfuwe Parliamentary by-election.
According to official results, out of the 9,086 ballots cast, 230 were rejected. ECZ Commissioner, Retired Major General Vincent Mukanda, said this was a worrying trend and stressed the urgent need to intensify voter education so that citizens fully understand the voting process.
Speaking in Lavushimanda during a post-election review meeting with members of the media and polling staff, General Mukanda highlighted the importance of ensuring that voters are well-informed to reduce errors on the ballot. He also encouraged journalists to undergo specialized election reporting training to help the public better understand the electoral process.
At the same event, ECZ Commissioner McDonald Chipenzi commended the media for maintaining factual, fair, and balanced coverage throughout the electoral period.
Mr. Chipenzi also applauded polling staff for their efficiency, noting that the election results were delivered within 24 hours — well ahead of the 72-hour deadline for declaring outcomes.
