By 
Citizens First (CF) Party leader, Harry Kalaba, has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to reconsider the composition of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) before next year’s general elections.
Kalaba argued that the current composition of the ECZ undermined public confidence, alleging that some commissioners were perceived to be partisan and sympathetic to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Kalaba stressed that democracy was “a fragile commodity” that all Zambians must safeguard.
He underscored the importance of credible elections, describing them as the cornerstone of democracy, national security, peace, and public trust.
“The Citizens First has repeatedly observed several aspects concerning the functioning of various governance institutions such as the ECZ, among others, which are not in conformity with the aspirations of the Zambian people,” Kalaba said.
He called for the complete disbandment of the current Electoral Commission and the formation of a new, non-partisan body reflective of regional balance and national unity.
“We stand ready to assist in identifying qualified, neutral, and competent individuals to serve in this vital institution,” he added.
Kalaba also criticized the manner in which the Presidency was being managed in President Hichilema’s absence, saying the nation had not been informed of who was acting President.
“The President has gone out of the country, but the nation is not informed as to who the acting President is. Furthermore, the State House communique has been very economical with the truth on this matter,” he said.
He further questioned the nature of the President’s trip abroad, claiming there was no visible evidence of the host government’s involvement.
Kalaba demanded clarity from the Minister of Foreign Affairs on what President Hichilema was doing in Scotland, warning that lack of transparency fuels public speculation.
“While the President is entitled to private visits and holidays, clearly, we get concerned when the President does not attend important regional engagements and functional working visits such as the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting but opts to lie to the nation that he is on a state visit in the United Kingdom,” Kalaba said.
He also expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church for its firm stance on national matters, particularly its objection to the reintroduction of Bill 7 in Parliament.
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