Africa-Press – Zambia. The opposition Leadership Movement (LM) says the decision by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to change its logo and tagline will have no impact on the conduct of elections in the country.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia has unveiled a new brand identity. The new brand identity has seen the electoral management body change its logo and tagline. The Commission unveiled its new brand identity at a function held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka on Friday morning.
But Leadership Movement spokesperson Tatila Tatila said there is need for ECZ to tackle serious issues that directly impact on the conducting of elections in Zambia. Mr. Tatila said in the current state, the leadership of the ECZ remains politically controlled, which is a danger to the electoral process.
He said the ECZ should not hesitate to deal with key pending issues raised by stakeholders through ECZ 2021 review meetings and African Union Observation Mission to Zambia report for 2021 elections.
Mr. Tatila cited some issues the Leadership Movement want ECZ to address such as failure to follow the Electoral Code of Conduct by political parties, prison voting, campaigns rallies amidst COVID-19 pandemic which he said negatively affect participating political parties.
He said other issues include women and youth participation in elections, exorbitant nomination fees and the controversial cancellation of nominations when a candidate withdrawals from elections.
“The Electoral Commission of Zambia has now joined the Patriotic Front in rebranding. ECZ should address real issues; stop blackmailing the Government using issues of changing the logo. Launch of the Electoral Commission of Zambia new brand logo will have no impact on the Elections in Zambia as long as the Board is not dissolved,” Mr. Tatila charged.
“In the current state, the Leadership of the ECZ remains politically controlled, which is a danger to the Electoral Process. Our advice to the ECZ is to deal with key pending issues raised by stakeholders through ECZ 2021 review meetings and African Union Observation Mission to Zambia report for 2021 elections,” he said.
“As Leadership Movement we expected ECZ to deal with the following: Electoral Code of Conduct – which most political players disobey. Cancellation of Prison Voting – which was rejected by all stakeholders. Campaigns rallies amidst COVID-19 pandemic – which affect participating political parties.”
“Women and youths participation in the Electoral Process. High nominations fees at all Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government. Candidate withdrawal or resignations which have become common. By doing so, the Electoral Commission of Zambia will be successful in the Elections Management,” Mr. Tatila suggested.
When unveiling the new logo, ECZ Chairperson Justice Esau Chulu in a speech read on his behalf by Commissioner Emily Sikazwe said the Commission is ushering itself into a new era to rebrand and reposition itself strategically into the future. Justice Chulu said the Commission’s new brand will open a new chapter in its continued journey of transformation.
“You may wish to know that the last time the Commission undertook the process of rebranding was in 2007. The logo and brand promise at that time were reviewed from ‘free and fair’ to ‘Endorsing Your Choice’. Today we are proud to announce the launch of the new Electoral Commission of Zambia logo and brand promise, as part of the ongoing evolution of our work,” he said.
He added, “Election management has grown and evolved over the years, and we feel it is time for a review. We have refreshed our logo and colours to reflect our strategic direction for the coming years.”
Justice Chulu said after careful consideration, the Commission chose a logo that reflects a modern and futuristic approach that captures its mandate to deliver credible elections.
For More News And Analysis About Zambia Follow Africa-Press
