THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA (ECZ)’s MANAGEMENT OF THE ELECTORAL PROCESS (1996-2012).

BY

REX HIBAJENE

Dissertation submitted to the University of Zambia in partial fulfillment of the requirement

of the degree of Master of Arts in Political Science.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA

2016 DECLARATION

I, REX HIBAJENE, declare that this dissertation represents my own work and that it has not been previously submitted for a degree, diploma or other at this or any other university or college.

Signature………………………………………………Date……………………………….

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COPYRIGHT

All rights reserved. No part of this dissertation may be reproduced or stored in any form or by any means without prior authorization in writing from the author.

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CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

This dissertation of REX HIBAJENE has been approved as partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of the degree of Master of Arts in Political Science by the University of Zambia.

Name of Examiner Signature Date

Dr L.C.W. Kaela ……………………………. ……………………..

Prof. J. C. Momba ……………………………… ……………………..

Dr A. M. Ng’oma ……………………………… ……………………...

SUPERVISOR; Dr M. C. M. Bwalya …………………………….. ……………………

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ABSTRACT This dissertation examined the factors which affected the effectiveness of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)’s management of the electoral process from 1996 to 2012. This study stems from the conditions and consequences of an effective electoral process in a liberal democratic country. Since its establishment in 1996 to 2012, the ECZ’s main objective has been to deliver a credible electoral process by effectively performing its core functions (ECZ,2014). However, some electoral stakeholders have argued that the ECZ has not been adequate in delivering free and fair elections, and other electoral related activities.

The general objective of the study was to identify and examine factors which affected the effectiveness of the ECZ in performing its core functions. The specific objectives of the study were to identify and examine: (a) factors which affected the effectiveness of the ECZ in management of the registration of voters exercise. (b) factors which affected the effectiveness of the ECZ in management of Presidential, Parliamentary and local government elections. (c) factors which affected the effectiveness of the ECZ in enforcement of the electoral code of conduct. In order to achieve these objectives, the study used a descriptive and explanatory research design. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Data was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods.

The study found that the ECZ was ineffective in its management of the electoral process and its core functions. Inadequate funding, Inadequate logistical planning and arrangements affected effective management of elections. The 1996 and 2001 elections were poorly managed by ECZ. The study found that both the key informants and the electorate were of the view that the registration of voters in Zambia has been fraught with problems, these included inadequate materials and manpower, lack of adequate funding. Enforcing the electoral (code of conduct) regulations was poorly done in that the ECZ officials lack impartiality and too much abuse of public resources by stakeholders with impunity. The study also found that the ECZ had made a lot of efforts such as seeking for donor funding and computerization of registration of voters and voting process in trying to see to it that the Commission effectively managed the electoral process with help from donors such as the UNDP through the Zambian government.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to acknowledge and appreciate all the people and organizations that rendered their support towards the completion of this dissertation. I am particularly grateful to my supervisor Doctor M. C. Bwalya for his professional inspiration and academic guidance. My gratitude also extends to the University of Zambia (UNZA) for awarding me a Staff Development Fellowship (SDF) and for funding this study.

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DEDICATION

I dedicate this dissertation to my daughter Natasha Mainza

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT…………………………………………………………………………PAGE Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………i List of Figures…………………………………………………………………………….v List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………….vi List of Abreviations and Acronym………………………………………………………vii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background…………………………………………………………………………………1 Statement of the Problem…………………………………………………………………...3 Research Questions…………………………………………………………………………3 Research Objectives…………………………………………………………………………………..4 Significance of the Study…………………………………………………………………..4 Conceptual Framework……………………………………………………………………..5 Literature Review…………………………………………………………………………..8 Methodology………………………………………………………………………………12 Organisation of the Dissertation…………………….……………………………………..18

CHAPTER TWO: ORGANISATION AND FUNCTIONS AND THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF ZAMBIA (ECZ) AND OTHER ELECTORAL STAKEHOLDERS

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………19 The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ)…………………………………………….19 Other Electoral Stakeholders.……………………………………………………………..22 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………27

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CHAPTER THREE: MANAGEMENT OF REGISTRATION OF VOTERS’ EXERCISE

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………28 Registration of voters Exercise……………...……………………………………………28 Registered Voters’ ………………………….……………………………………………..35 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………41

CHAPTER FOUR: MANAGEMENT OF ELECTIONS

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………42 Management of Elections…………………………………………………………………42 Voter Turnout……………………………………………………………………………..53 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………...55

CHAPTER FIVE: ENFORCEMENT OF THE ELECTORAL CODE OF CONDUCT

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………61 Electoral (Code of Conduct) Regulations, 2006………………………………………….61 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………..69

CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Introduction……………………………………………………