- The CCMG Steering Committee Members,
- The Chairperson and Members of the Zambia Law Development Commission,
- IFES Representative,
- UNDP Representative,
- Cooperating Partners,
- The Media,
- CCMG and ZLDC Staff,
- Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
Today marks a significant moment as we gather to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) and the Zambia Law Development Commission (ZLDC) to review Zambia’s electoral laws.
This partnership signifies a shared commitment to the fundamental principles of democracy, justice, transparency, and the rule of law within our electoral process.
The CCMG has demonstrated unwavering dedication to promoting credible, inclusive, accountable, and transparent elections in Zambia since its inception in 2014. Through non-partisan citizen monitoring, CCMG has played a vital role in monitoring electoral process activities and advocating for continuous improvement of Zambia’s electoral legal framework.
The question of electoral integrity is paramount: how can we ensure that election outcomes reflect the will of the people? The answer lies in up-to-date legal frameworks that guarantee credible, inclusive, accountable, and transparent elections and ultimately, more resilient democratic institutions. However, the evolution of society necessitates reviews of our laws, which are relevant to addressing modern-day challenges affecting Zambia’s democracy. This partnership with ZLDC seeks to bridge the gaps between the existing legal framework and the evolving needs of our electorate. This can be done by engaging in collaborative research, analysis, and education, fostering a deeper understanding of electoral legislation among stakeholders, in line with the spirit of this MoU. Collaborations like this contribute to promoting informed discussions and innovative policymaking, ultimately strengthening the foundations of our democracy.
The impact of our efforts extends beyond our borders. Through the sharing of knowledge and best practices, we contribute to global dialogue on enhancing electoral integrity and legal education. This collaboration exemplifies the importance of comprehensive auditing and quality assurance in election management, particularly in an era of political polarization and emerging challenges such as cybersecurity threats and Artificial Intelligence, among others.
As we embark on this journey, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing transparency, integrity, and inclusivity. Together, we are paving the way for more resilient democratic institutions that can weather the complexities of modern-day governance. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have contributed to this partnership. This MoU signing is not merely a ceremonial act, but a significant stride towards a more effective, transparent, and accountable electoral framework.
In closing, I thank you all for your dedication, passion, and belief in this noble cause. Let us embrace this collaboration with optimism and determination, knowing that together, we can build a brighter future for democracy in Zambia and beyond
MoU signing in pictures
