President of the Socialist Party Fred M’membe says the prevalence of electoral malpractice is a pressing concern within the current political landscape.
Dr M’membe said the unsubstantiated victories celebrated by President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND are not indicative of genuine success but rather of underhanded means such as bribery and coercion in securing electoral outcomes.
He said instances of inducement through financial incentives, distribution of essential commodities, and the imposition of intimidation tactics undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
Dr M’membe said the utilization of threats to manipulate the voting behaviour of vulnerable individuals is an infringement upon the fundamental principles of democracy.
The SP President said the fraudulent tactics employed by Mr Hichilema and the UPND have detrimental effects on the legitimacy of elections, rendering them void of credibility.
Dr M’membe said the erosion of public trust in the electoral system as a result of such deceptive practices is a cause for considerable concern.
“While participation in these questionable by-elections provides opportunities for engagement with constituents, the pervasive influence of electoral fraud disrupts the democratic process. It is imperative to recognize that authentic democratic procedures extend beyond fraudulent electoral processes and encompass meaningful and transparent representation,” he said.
Dr M’membe said the repercussions of electoral fraud are significant, potentially leading to disillusionment with conventional democratic practices and prompting alternative, potentially revolutionary, avenues for the expression of public will.
He said it is imperative to acknowledge that genuine revolutions are catalyzed by underlying realities and serve as a response to entrenched injustices.
This is contained in a statement issued by SP Director Media Brian Hapunda.
