THE European Union’s Election Follow-up Mission final report on Zambia has noted that the appointment system of ECZ members did not enhance public trust in the institution. The report has noted that opposition political parties in 2022 accused the President of appointing individuals with direct links to the ruling party as members of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). It stated that at the time, civil society organisations and opposition political parties called for a more transparent and independent recruitment process for ECZ members. “The ECZ is a constitutional, autonomous and permanent five-member body (chairperson, vice- chairperson and three commissioners) responsible for organising and conducting all elections.15 ECZ members are appointed by the President, with the approval of the National...