Harry Kalaba Tells EU Observer Mission Electoral Process Is Unfair

LUSAKA – Citizens First (CF) President Harry Kalaba has raised concerns about the country's electoral environment during a meeting with the European Union Election Observation Mission, saying he is disappointed with the current state of the electoral process.

According to a statement issued by Citizens First Presidential Team Member Bangwe Naviley Chisenga, Mr. Kalaba said the campaign schedule set by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) places opposition political parties at a disadvantage.

He argued that the timetable requires opposition leaders to suspend or leave campaign activities in provinces whenever the President or Vice-President is scheduled to visit the same areas.

Mr. Kalaba said democracy requires equal opportunities for all political players and reiterated his party's commitment to continuing to raise concerns it believes affect the fairness of the electoral process.

He also described the meeting with the European Union Election Observation Mission in Lusaka as fruitful, saying it provided an opportunity to discuss the Citizens First Party's views on the ongoing election campaign.

The remarks are contained in a statement issued by Bangwe Naviley Chisenga, a member of the Citizens First Presidential Team.