Maravi

AVAP challenges VJ on his ‘democratic benchmarks’ claims

AVAP challenges VJ on his ‘democratic benchmarks’ claims
By Namatama Mundia
Mon 17 Jan. 2011, 04:01 CAT

VERNON Mwaanga should show the democratic benchmarks he claims Zambia has set, says AVAP. Reacting to Mwaanga’s statement that Zambia has set democratic benchmarks higher than many countries worldwide, Anti Voter Apathy (AVAP) executive director Bonnie Tembo said voter confidence in elections was questionable due to the failure by the MMD to take a lead in observing the Electoral Code of Conduct.

“…2001, 2006 and 2008 elections were associated with vote rigging, vote buying and massive electoral corruption, abuse of public funds and manipulation of public media,” he said. “Worse still, 1996 elections have sets of results showing massive rigging.”

Tembo wondered what benchmarks Mwaanga, who is parliamentary chief whip, was talking about when the constitution making process was manipulated.

“The electoral Act needs to be amended, the Code of Conduct no matter how good it can be, MMD using the party and its government, the boma ni boma mentality will always breach electoral laws,” he said.

Tembo advised politicians to be sincere when talking about laws that govern elections.

Labels: AVAP, VERNON MWAANGA

posted by MrK @ 5:38 PM