TI-Z Warns on Unrealistic Campaign Promises in ZM Election Season

• Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has warned against unrealistic campaign promises, which can lead to electoral law breaches.
• The organization expressed concern over the alleged collection of voters' card numbers and National Registration Card details by the then-opposition party, UPND, in certain districts.
• Electoral laws require that campaign promises be made in good faith with a clear plan for implementation.
• Failure to comply with these requirements can result in serious consequences for political parties and their supporters.

The organization emphasizes that making unrealistic promises can have serious consequences for political parties and their supporters.

Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has sounded a warning about campaign promises made during Zambia's election season. The organization notes that some of these promises are unrealistic and financially unsustainable, which could lead to electoral law breaches if not properly implemented. TI-Z has specifically expressed concern over the alleged collection of voters' card numbers and National Registration Card details by the then-opposition party, UPND, in certain districts.

In Zambia, electoral law requires that campaign promises be made in good faith and with a clear plan for implementation. Political parties are expected to provide detailed information on how they intend to fulfill their election pledges. Failure to do so can result in electoral law breaches, which may have serious consequences for the party involved.

Lawyers advising political parties in Zambia should be aware of these requirements and advise their clients accordingly. The financial sustainability of campaign promises is also a critical factor that must be considered when making election pledges.

The issue of unrealistic campaign promises highlights the need for transparency and accountability in Zambia's electoral process. Political parties must ensure that their promises are realistic and can be fulfilled within the given timeframe.

TI-Z's concerns about the alleged collection of voters' card numbers and NRC details by UPND also underscore the importance of protecting voter data and ensuring compliance with electoral laws. The organization's call for realistic campaign promises is a timely reminder to political parties in Zambia that their election pledges must be made with careful consideration for the potential consequences.

Lawyers advising political parties in Zambia should be aware of the potential for electoral law breaches if campaign promises are made without a clear plan for implementation, and may need to advise clients on the implications of such promises.

Source: Original reporting via Transparency International Zambia