By Maila Pride, Citizen Journalist
By-elections in Zambia, as in many other democracies, are essential mechanisms for maintaining legislative legitimacy and functionality. However, they carry significant financial costs and political consequences. The recent declaration by the Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Moyo, to vacate nine Patriotic Front (PF) parliamentary seatsāthough later stayed by the courtsāhas reignited debates about the economic strain and broader impacts of by-elections on Zambia’s governance and fiscal health. This fact-sharing article delves into the financial burden of by-elections, their implications for Zambiaās political landscape, and the governance challenges they pose.
Cost of a Single Parliamentary By-Election
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) estimates the cost of organizing a single parliamentary by-election at ZMW 5 million (USD 270,000). This figure includes expenses for logistics, voter education, ballot printing, security, and electoral staff allowances. In a country characterized by vast and often remote constituencies, these logistical demands make the costs substantial, straining the national budget.
Financial Impact of Nine By-Elections
Holding nine parliamentary by-elections simultaneously would cost approximately ZMW 45 million (USD 2.43 million). For a country already battling economic challengesāsuch as public debt, inflation, hunger, and limited fiscal resourcesāthis financial burden is significant. Allocating such a large sum to by-elections could divert critical resources from essential services like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and disaster relief, exacerbating socio-economic vulnerabilities.
For instance, Zambia is currently dealing with a drought-related disaster, further highlighting the need for prioritized resource allocation to water provision and food security. The opportunity cost of by-elections during such crises raises questions about their timing and necessity.
Political and Governance Implications
Reason for the Declaration and Court Intervention
The declaration to vacate nine PF parliamentary seats arose from a point of order by Cornelius Mweetwa, the Choma Central Member of Parliament. He questioned whether the nine MPs were in order to remain in the House after the Constitutional Court dismissed their petition against expulsion by PF faction leader Miles Sampa.
The expulsion stemmed from the MPs’ attendance at an unauthorized meeting organized by a rival faction of the PF. On December 6, 2023, PF Secretary General Morgan Ngāona formalized the expulsion. The declaration, however, was stayed by the courts, preventing immediate by-elections.
Impact on the Political Landscape
By-elections often serve as a barometer of public sentiment toward both the ruling party and the opposition. Had these by-elections proceeded, they could have significantly altered Zambia’s parliamentary composition.
- A loss for the PF would have weakened their parliamentary majority, emboldened the opposition, and potentially triggered constitutional or electoral reforms.
- Conversely, a strong performance by the PF could have reinforced their legislative mandate, stabilizing their position in parliament.
Governance and Public Sentiment
By-elections pose a dual governance challenge: balancing democratic processes with fiscal responsibility. The financial strain of frequent elections, coupled with underfunded public services, risks eroding public trust in the government. For example, public dissatisfaction often intensifies when critical needsāsuch as healthcare or disaster reliefāappear neglected in favor of electoral expenditures.
Statistical Insights from ECZ
The ECZ notes that voter turnout during by-elections averages 45%, significantly lower than general election turnout. This trend reflects voter fatigue and skepticism about the broader impact of by-elections.
A recent example comes from the Mwenyi Ward by-election, where only 1,134 of 1,654 registered voters participated, with seven ballots rejected. Despite the low turnout, fixed logistical costs remain, leading to a higher cost per voter in by-elections compared to general elections.
Conclusion
The financial and political implications of by-elections in Zambia are profound. The recent stayed declaration of nine PF parliamentary seats highlights the challenge of balancing democratic integrity with fiscal prudence.
Moving forward, Zambia must address the cost-benefit trade-offs of frequent by-elections. Strategies such as enhancing voter education, adopting cost-effective electoral practices, and ensuring procedural fairness can help mitigate financial burdens while preserving democratic values.
As Zambia navigates its economic challenges and political complexities, a concerted effort is needed to strengthen democratic institutions without compromising the nationās fiscal stability.