FODEP requests Sata to probe previous elections

FODEP requests Sata to probe previous elections
By Kombe Chimpinde
Mon 17 Oct. 2011, 13:30 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata must consider appointing a commission of inquiry into the elections that have been conducted in Zambia since 2001, says FODEP.

In a statement, Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) president Dr Alex Ng'oma said the revelations contained in the October 7, 2011 edition of The Africa Confidential magazine that former president Rupiah Banda attempted to use "the top directors of the Zambia Intelligence and Security Services to rig our elections" must be accorded the attention it deserves.

"It makes very sad reading and must be accorded the attention it deserves. The Foundation for Democratic Process is aware that many of our precious people have, over the years, slowly been losing confidence in our electoral process precisely because they believe that elections in Zambia are rigged, and participating in them is a sheer waste of time," Dr Ng'oma, who is also a political activist, said.

He said the revelations raised very serious national concerns about the kind of electoral process the country has had over the years.

"In view of the revelation by Africa Confidential, therefore, FODEP would like to request the Republican President, His Excellency, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, to kindly consider appointing a Commission of

Inquiry into the elections that have been conducted in Zambia since 2001. Such a Commission, in our view, should go beyond mere election administration as such, and conduct a forensic audit of the Electoral Commission of Zambia," he said.

"It is our firm belief, at FODEP, that only bold steps taken on the basis of the findings of a Commission of Inquiry can serve to restore our people's confidence in our country's electoral process."

President Sata has recently appointed a number of Commissions to probe various activities and events in the country, among them the killings in Mongu and alleged corruption in the energy sector.