State explains phased mobile registration
THE State has told the Constitutional Court that government decided to implement the mobile registration exercise in two phases due to unfavorable economic factors prevailing in Zambia.
This is in a matter in which Chapter One Foundation has petitioned the Constitutional Court seeking declaration that the geographical limitation to the issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) will result in the disenfranchisement of many Zambians in contravention of the national values and is, therefore, unconstitutional.
It also wants the Court to make a declaration that the limitation of the period within which voter registration will be conducted to 30 days is unconstitutional, and a declaration that Electoral Commission of Zambia’s decision and intention to disallow currently registered voters from voting in the 2021 general election and future elections is unconstitutional and, therefore, null and void.
The NGO further wants the Court to make an order of mandamus directing the Attorney General to implement the mobile issuance of NRCs throughout the country and an order of mandamus directing the ECZ to carry out continuous voter registration between elections. It has cited ECZ and the Attorney General as respondents in the matter.
But in response to the amended petition, deputy registrar in the department of national registration, passport and citizenship under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Alick Mvula stated that the department provides its services in all the districts across the country except for some newly created districts.
Mr Mvula further stated that these offices are open throughout the year except for weekends and holidays.
He said government has not only abided by the provisions of the National Registration act, chapter 126 of the laws of the land but has also strictly followed the provisions of the constitution.
Mr Mvula further contend that the ministry of Home Affairs engaged the provincial and district administrators authorities in all provinces when determining how the mobile registration exercise would be conducted.