Zambian Opposition Slams Electoral Commission for Exempting President Hichilema's Campaign Schedule

Opposition parties in Zambia have voiced strong criticism against the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) following a decision to exclude President Hakainde Hichilema's campaign movements from the presidential timetable. This timetable was initially agreed upon by all 14 participating candidates. The opposition argues that this omission directly contradicts the purpose of the schedule, which was intended to ensure coordination among all campaigns. The dispute arose after an extensive meeting held in Lusaka, where the ECZ had brought together the candidates. The exclusion of the President's movements is seen by the opposition as a move that grants him an unfair advantage. They contend that this decision undermines the principle of a level playing field, which is crucial for democratic elections. The parties are calling for transparency and fairness in the electoral process, emphasizing that all candidates should be subject to the same rules and oversight. The ECZ has yet to issue a detailed public statement addressing the specific concerns raised by the opposition regarding this particular decision.