Africa-Press – Zambia. THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has noted with dismay the illegal recording of telephone conversations by some political party leaders whenever they engage members and staff of the Commission.
ECZ corporate affairs manager Patricia Luhanga said the Commission has received reports of the illegal telephone recordings, some of which have been verified while others are still under investigation.
She said the Commission is mandated to engage political party representatives regularly and this is done through various means including the use of phones especially now that COVID-19 cases are on the increase in the country.
“Additionally, the Commission operates an open door policy where members and staff alike interact with various stakeholders in order to provide effective electoral services in an impartial manner.Therefore, the Commission should not be given any reason to be hesitant to engage or attend to the needs of political parties through telephone conversations,” she said
Ms Luhanga said the Commission will not condone the vice adding that the public must know that the practice of illegal recording does not only breed mistrust and injure the persons involved, it is also criminal.
She said the Commission will not hesitate to report such matters to the relevant law enforcement agencies. “Political parties are reminded that there are laws that govern the recording of telephone calls or indeed in-person conversations and these laws provide guidance on what is permissible,” she said
